Happiness, Italians and Living to the Fullest

Happiness is being Italian the license plate proudly boasted.  My sister and I both concluded that sadly we missed out.  Italianess is one thing that just wasn’t found in our blood.  And really, I wish it was that easy, being happy that is.  There’s one thing that I’ve learned in the pursuit of it (I am clearly American), happiness is either found in the now, or it will always be somewhere far way, owned by Italians or whoever else, but you.  I remember sitting over a breakfast plate at my favorite bakery sometime last year and wondering when all the good things will come my way, more weddings, a better income, more time for travel and on and on.  And then it hit me, that even when this list is fulfilled, there’s definitely going to be something else out of my reach.  Unless I was going to embrace where I am at the moment and live to the fullest, happiness will always be someone else’s and not mine. Looking back I’m grateful that I’ve learned contentment in the simple.  I still might have those down days, yet happiness is all mine.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my mama! From Jeremy . . .

Dear sis, I wish you the best birthday ever!!!!!!!

The never boring life with nephews

Baby Jeremy is one week old, and Josiah, my other nephew, is turning two on Wednesday. On Mother’s day we reminisced on all the wonderful ways Josiah colors our daily lives.  Like the time his uncle got dressed for work an hour early, because Josiah reset his alarm clock while playing in the bedroom. Or the time my sister Nadia couldn’t figure out why the dashboard was showing 100 miles per hour when it seems like she just accelerated on the freeway. It so happens that Josiah changed her car setting to show kilometers per hour, instead of miles, must be his European side.  Or the time I spent two hours at the Apple store trying to figure out why my sister’s laptop wouldn’t take DVDs, and then the Apple employee brought out a jammed piece of paper which Josiah so thoughtfully inserted into the drive. And so the stories continue.  They are rather amusing, and sure are colorful.  And to add to the happiness we are waiting for my first niece anytime nowadays. And since Tuesday and Wednesday are already taken by birthdays of other family members, she’s got either today or Thursday to come out if she wants to have a day all to herself. 

Oh the little Jeremy

I told my sweet bride Lindsey that I might not make it to her wedding if my sister goes into labor (I was kidding, world). . . yet thankfully my nephew waited till the end of the wedding. While driving to Carmel this past Friday, my sister Dinah and I decided that May 7th would be a perfect date for Jeremy to be born. And the funny thing is when my sister was checked in, the nurse wrote 5/7/12 on accident on the board. My brother-in-law corrected her that it was the 6th, yet although she changed the date, the baby remembered that 7. And so it happened, on May 7th, at 7:17 Jeremy Luke came out. For fact, I like Lukas better (that was our grandfather’s name), so I just might be referring to him as baby Jeremy Lukas on the blog. And here’s the little munchkin. He’s adorable and has his mama’s eyes. Oh Jeremy Luke Lukas, I’m working really hard here on my weddings so I can come play with you soon!

Life long puzzles and the perfect shade of navyness

There’s something about a college dorm experience that I’ll always miss. Like the time I needed black shoes for a music performance and all I had to do is walk down the hallway and ask if anyone has a spare.  Or the time I needed some warm clothes for a cabin retreat in the mountains and my friend April dressed me from head to toe.  Lots of next door neighbors with their unique wardrobes is something that I’ve been longing for this week.  I tried shopping for new outfits for my wedding shoots and it’s been a pain. Why there isn’t one store with all I need is a great mystery. And the fact that I’m incredibly picky is a life long puzzle.  I haven’t given up on shopping just yet, but if you happen to have an extra navy cardigan with just the perfect shade of navyness, call me up! 

The tips that never fail

There are days when I ask Dinah to blog for me. Today I hinted to her to blog about tips for second shooters and she said, oh “look pretty, hold the camera, and smile.” And that’s exactly my sister, short to the point, never too wordy, just the perfect thing to say at the perfect time, and the smile part, she’s really good at. And that’s exactly how I get into the mood of weddings, I try to look my best, hold the camera to be ready for any moment and to smile hard!!!! I’m going out of town tonight for a rehearsal dinner tonight and a full day wedding tomorrow, and as always I’m nervous and excited at the same time, but if all fails I’ll remember my sisters awesome tips and it’ll be all right! Happy Friday world!