Family visits and back pain, not actually related

It's already Thursday, but this is the first time this week I've had the time to sit down to write.

We had family in this past weekend when one of my Aunts brought her parents and her three little boys up for a visit. It was so much fun to see them, and it was great to give the little boys the crocheted cupcakes I made for them. I'm working on more and should have a picture of my batch sometime next week.

But then some things happened - somehow right as they were leaving I managed to pull a muscle in my back just by leaning down to open a kitchen cabinet. I thought it would be fine, after all I'm young and should be able to bounce back, but it just kept getting worse. I went to the Dr yesterday and came home with some muscle relaxers and instructions not to move and to come back Monday for xrays if it isn't getting better.

Mamu, my grandmother, was taken to the hospital today with heart pains. She's been released as it was only a minor incident, but I'm still worried and rather upset that because of this back thing I can't get down to North Carolina to see her.

I guess the only good part of not being able to move is that I will finally get some things done that require me sitting still - like more crocheting, some paperwork, work on the website, etc.

Resolutions, as it were

I know we're already twenty days into this new year, but I've been perfecting my list of resolutions, as it were.

I usually only make a few really big resolutions, but this year there are so many things, both big and little, that I really want to accomplish. So I’m writing myself a list, and setting deadlines.

I really could just list all of the many projects involved in buying our new house and making it into a home, but that somehow feels a little bit like cheating. I am including a lot of the bigger plans for the house and a couple of the smaller things that we really want to get done. Lots of these are little crafty resolutions, or projects I want to complete, but if I don’t make the list I’m afraid they’ll never get done.

1. Develop a business plan for Suitcase Art and apply for the appropriate licenses

2. Open a business banking account for Suitcase Art

3. Develop a logo/identity for Suitcase Art

4. 365 photo project (starting on May 10th – my 24th birthday)

5. Close on the house (we don't know when this might happen...)

6. Pack one box a day until we’re sure about the house, then – pack like crazy.

7. Build a darkroom (contingent, of course, on buying the house)

8. Participate in NaNoWriMo (in November - and complete it!)

9. Plan my train trip to New York – see my father’s childhood home, make a trip to Dead Horse Bay, and celebrate our family’s 100th anniversary of arriving in the United States with the rest of my crazy relatives

10. Save $500 for the New York Trip (saved $100 so far)

11. Refinish (at least) one new suitcase by year end

Etsy Vintage Discoveries - Yellow as a Daisy

Six adorable vintage yellow flower plastic buttons $3.75
from Chica's Eye Candy Shop

Mellow Yellow Jacket $40
from Dear Prudence Vintage

Bright Sunshine Yellow Small Vintage Tape Dispenser $12
from Suzi's Corner Boutique

Etsy Vintage Discoveries - It's all about color!

And that color is red!

Vintage 60s Hooded Ribbon Trimmed Wool Cape Jacket $85
from VonlenskaVintage

Perfect Bright Red Suitcase with Bright Red Interior $36
from pinguim

Ladies 80s bright red knee high riding boots 5.5 $65
from Boomboxblitz

Etsy Art Discoveries - Let's Go

Three's Company - 8x10 Print $25
from Believing is Art

Airplane Dropping Hearts - Print of original mixed media painting $20
from Deified Art

Faux-Polaroid Print of a Fountain in London $7
from elizabethonetsy

London Love II gocco art print $15
from artsharkdesigns

Etsy Handmade Discoveries - Take me somewhere, I want to go

LUDINGTON Michigan Map Pendant in Silver $18.00
from Chellas Collection

EXPLORE........Hand Stamped Sterling Silver Tag and Airplane Charm Necklace $26
from Tiny Tokens Designs

Vintage Sterling Map Necklace. Custom Location Made to Order $42
from Sherry Truitt

The Amelia Locket Necklace $38
from verabel

Etsy Vintage Discoveries - Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

You Mean the World to Me, Vintage Map Dishes $12.95
from Bird-in-Hand

Vintage Sterling Silver Solid Jet Airplane Travel Charm $7.50
from One of a Kind Wisconsin

Vintage Florida Postcard - Silver Meteor Trains (Unused) $4
from Vintage Plum

Roses and Romance Vintage Motoring Couple BIG Brooch $15
from Vintage in Bohemia

2009 Year in Review

It always seems each year has more amazing events than the last, and this year was no exception.

Technically I walked for graduation in December 2008, but I officially graduated from university in January 2009. I now have a BA in English and journalism, and have absolutely no idea what to do with it. (I'd just like to point out that this photo shows how my sister and I don't seem to look alike anymore - especially when she has crazy eyes)



Early in 2009 I was employed for a mere two months as a nanny, but now spend my days trying to build a business and a home.

In June my little sister graduated from High School, and now she's off at college. I'm so proud of where her drive has taken her, but boy does she make me feel old.... and like I could be accomplishing so much more.



We got to spend a good chunk of time visiting family, our family threw us a truly wonderful engagement party in Greenville, and Richard got to experience his first Cedar Mountain style Forth of July hot dog roast. (Anna likes to nibble on people she likes)



On August 1st Richard and I got married, and it was such a wonderful and amazingly perfect day. I know things must have gone wrong, or slightly awry, and even though our planned photographer was a no-show, our friends and family are amazing, and I wouldn't have a single thing changed about that day.



In November I started helping with the Photography Club at Richard's high school. It's been fun so far, and I really look forward to meeting with the kids each week.

This year is our first official Christmas as a married couple. That is just weird to say.

After Christmas we made our whirlwind trip south, and saw so many family members! It was wonderful to see them all and get the chance to visit, we just wish it could have been longer.

So many things, and I'm working on my list of things to accomplish this year, and I'll post them either later today or tomorrow when I'm done which will hopefully help me hold myself accountable.