I am not a card person -- I'm terrible at sending cards, terrible at picking out cards, and just all around typically think that the gesture is grand, however the end result never quite what you wanted it to be. That being said, I think this year I got the best assortment of birthday cards yet. One I really wanted to share was the one from my mom, it reads:
"How to make a beautiful life"
Love yourself.
Make peace with who you are and where you are at this moment in time.
Listen to your heart.
If you can't head what it's saying in this noisy world, then make time for yourself.
Enjoy your own company.
Let you mind wander among the stars.
Try.
Take chances.
Make mistakes.
Life can be messy and confusing at times, but it's also full of surprises.
The next rock in your path might be a stepping-stone.
Be happy.
When you don't have what you want, want what you have.
Make do.
That's a well-kept secret of contentment.
There aren't any shortcuts to tomorrow.
You have to make your own way.
To know where you're going is only part of it.
You need to know where you've been too.
And if you ever get lost, don't worry, the people who love you will find you.
Count on it.
Life isn't days and years.
It's what you do with time and with all the goodness and grace that's inside you.
first time I'd see Jax when I moved home from CA .. it had been almost 6months since I'd seen him
24 where
Exploring Fern Canyon in Redwood National ... Photo Credit SMR
25 when you love them the most
with the rising sun ... too cheesy? Yea, i figured.
26 the bromance
the exact opposite of a bromance -- Lex seriously stalks Kujo.. Poor kitty has no idea he's even up there trying to paw at her. (And no he never jumped down, he just sat there dangling his paws over and wiggling them!)
So I've got a lot of blogging catch-up to do here: So bare with the multiple posts this weekend!
First off (since I've already said happy birthday to 2 men who I am very fortunate to know). Today I PR'd on a 10k! Why ... because it was my first 10k! Yes, I did get beat by a 14 year old and a 72 year old (and a lot of other people), but I did it .. and didn't willing throw myself into oncoming traffic on Lawerenceville Hwy like I originally projected. The race started atTucker High School and ran the 5 miles to North Dekalb mall, then the last mile snaked through a neighborhood to some middle school. Either was, it was kind of fun running in the middle of traffic -- within the safety of all the orange cones of course! My goal was to finish it --- my ideal was to finish it in 74 minutes. (66minutes + 6 minutes ... clearly because running is the devil as far as I'm concerned). AND ... I did it in 73:55! Wahhoo!! So I'm rounding up and making it 66+6 minutes. That's just under a 12minute mile pace for the 6-point-whatever miles that my body is currently aching about. I actually did a lot more running than I thought I would be able to. The knee held up strong, the opposite hip, not so much. We're not speaking right now... No side stiches, never got winded .. some muscle cramps for sure after mile 5 marker in my calves, but it was rolling hills the whole way and in the entire month of Feb I think I've logged MAYBE 15 miles? Yea, and at least 10 of those were walking! Haha. So happy birthday body, you survived and now we can turn 25 on Monday!
Happy Birthday to 2 people who I'm mooore than happy to share my birthday week with!
Happy 25th Josh ... thanks for moving to Utah. ((Sike!)) TECHnically, I miss you face... or maybe that's the lack of chips and salsa in my life talking?!?!
And happy 24th David! (Thanks to you and lauren for always saving my Friday nights from being so lame!)
So it's officially 1 week until I turn 25 -- Birthday's don't really mean a whole lot to me, neither does age (Unless you cannot act yours when appropriate, then we have issues). But okay, so the past few years I've been trying to do a "Birthday thing". Like some sort of physical or mental challenge -- last year I did the reverse sprint tri where I PR'd on my 5k run. ((See my RACE ON THE BASE post if you need a refresher)). So this year, I'm debating ... do I last minute sign up for the 10k on Saturday morning or do I ... uhhh ... errr .... cricket, cricket ... exactly. The race I'm contemplating doing is the Charles Harris Run for Leukemia. In GA there are not as many options for outdoor physical activity until April/May unless you like running. Which, I do not. In fact, running is about my least favorite form of physical fitness --aside from the idea of ergging a timed 2 or 6k -- OW! I've never successfully run more than like 4.25 miles at once (and only because I had some pretty amazing scenery to stare out ::cough cough (a boy) cough::) and even then, it hurt my knee like crazy. I've run probably 5 of the last 8 days now and while I can tolerate getting through about 2 1/2 miles -- taking breaks and still in a lot of pain -- I'm not so sure I'm down for 6.4 miles of it. Although I'd walk a little under 1/2 of it, I'm still considering it. Despite that as I type this my knee is begging otherwise. It's pretty inevitable that my knee isn't going to hold out to 30 and that surgery is eminent for it (again), but still, it's my body and it better keep up with me! I'll keep you posted on the 10k decision ....
In other news .... Photos!
20 when they're home
when they're home, they sleep all day
21 hands
Hands -- something I love ... mainly because that's my job .. but I also kill my own hands (and shoulders) every day for my job .. therefore, 1/2 of the week I sleep in the very thing I spend all day doing for others.
So really, my loved ones are always here. They live here. All the time. Unless I let them out on the balcony ... but TECHnically that's still here. SO instead of doing today's assignment, I'm going to share with you all my Saturday DIY project! Baker's rack transformation, ready, GO!
** Thanks mom for the blue vase and the dried hydrangea's & Vicki, I'm finally finding a great use for your wedding favor mason jar!
Staying in is one of my favorite things. Couches, movies, cuddling, and cooking: Count me in!
18 going out
this photo is supposed to be one taken with a point-and-shoot by a total stranger ... since I have no stellar plans for the night, I'm going back circa Jan 2011 (long time, I know) to when I had dinner with my dad. Photo courtesy of an ex's christmas gift and our mildly eccentric waiter.
Today's assignment is a self-portrait. Well, actually, it's a picture of "together" with your loved one, but you must be in the photo. Therefore modifications -once again- have been made here. So that got me thinking ... How do we portray ourselves? You know, those tiny small mannerisms that we don't even know we have. That one face we make or eye roll we give -- what does it say about us to those who notice them?? Do they know it's just how we are and love us anyway, or do they secretly bottle it up and harbor it? Well, me, I take every one with a grain of salt and a benefit of the doubt, however, it's not me I'm worried about. I'm worried about those in life who feel the need to interpret our small idiosyncrasies and do something with them .... the gossip that needs to spread the story, the low self-esteem-er who needs to put you down to pick themselves up, the unsatisfied who need vengeance or seek resolution .... While it's in our nature to want to lash out or hand out to these kinds of people, what good does that do? Does it right only the moment or does it resolve a daily conflict? I don't really know the answer to this. Everyone is different, and everyone holds onto "issues" differently. Guess I'll just keep making it up as I go!
“Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.'' --Unknown
16 together (self-portrait)
**Please refrain from laughing at my 'self-portrait', these were taken by me, of me, laying on the ground after a run
JOY of love, you didn't really realize that you'd be having single, "live-alone" types trying to complete your online free photography course. I mean, you do say everyday that we can take a picture of our pet, but really, who wants to see 28 days of Sir Lexicon & Kujo ((well, besides me ... and Ally)).
So yesterday's pic is a jewlery picture. Me, I chose to go with my Claddagh ring. Why? Well, both of my sister's and I wear them to symbolize our little family unit and flaunt our Irish heritage. A few years back, when I was drinking my way through as much of Ireland as I could possible take in, I bought 3 of them. One for each of my sister's and me. That same year, I ordered from Ireland a bracelet made up of a chain of them for our mom -- you know, the one that birthed all three of us .. yea, that super sentimental stuff that makes any mom's heart melt.
15 kiss
Smooch your loved one in the mirror…hold the camera in your hand and snap! Or, hold the camera out in front of you and click the shutter for a self portrait smooching. You can also snap them smooching the children, the dog, etc.
SERIOUSLY ... again with the single, "alone-living" status. I'm not taking a picture of me missing my cat ... therefore, you all get this googled pic of kissing red pandas. Mainly because I love red pandas!
Whether today is a holiday you relish in your loved ones presence or grunt about the commercialism and show the world your lonely cynicism, this post is for you! If you're reading this post, it means you have special place in my heart (well, at least it better be since you're pretty much stalking my life day to day!) I've got nothing real fun to post, so I'll go with some song selections: one for the brokenhearted/outcast, and another for the one who embraces it! -- Sorry, those of you with happy love lifes, you don't get a song!
**Fair warning, this song is not uplifting and at some point in my life has made me thoroughly depressed.
Ever wonder what it is that wakes you up every night 4 days in a row at the exact same time? What causes the twisted and unexplainable nightmares that leave you waking up with your arms mangled over your head? Well, ME TOO. This week something has been eating at me and I have not a clue what it is/was. So regardless of my nightly states, I have continued to submerse myself in my work, my friendships, and my role in my family. When stressful conversations or scenarios have arisen, I've actually taken the time to process and rationalize rather than bottle & move forward. ((Which is all in hopes of getting more restorative sleep, of course)). So last night, I finally changed up my routine, and instead of waking up at 3:01am, I went to sleep just before it!! After a day at the park with my nephew and spending some quality time with him, I had a much need night out with nothing but laughs and beers and woke today -- yes from a nightmare with my shoulders both in some gnarly, aching position over my head -- but, it was not 3:01am, so it's a start! The rest of the day (so far) has been spent outside. The last 5 hours of my life have been on my balcony in shorts and a sports bra just soaking up the 60 degree sunshine and consuming a book. Tomorrow is supposed to be equally as beautiful, therefore I believe that I am going to officially claim the sunshine as my valentine! Side note: The book I just finished (The Time of My Life by Allison Winn Scotch) was pretty amazing. One of my co-workers lent it to me because she said she thought of my often while reading it. She was right .. reading this book gave me a lot of time to reflect on my own life. The plot, which I won't ruin, stems around the life of hard working woman who has pretty bad parental abandonment issues mixed with her own inability to reflex on what she needs most for herself and rather spends her time people pleasing ... Whoops!
In other news, here's my all weekend long backlogged JOY OF LOVE photos!
11 dreams
Dreams for myself to enjoy something every day with pure kid like joy
Day at the park with my nephew
12 the eyes
13 routines
Every morning, my loving loving cat (Lex) intentionally drags me out of bed for breakfast. Love bites, love taps, and love purring, I'm a sucker for it all. Everyday.
their breakfast
Kujo loves her brother, Lex, if only for getting me out of bed for breakfast
Overachieving ... it's kind of my thing. I don't flaunt it, I don't rub it in, I don't brown-nose, but I embrace it. And love it. I absolutely love feeling like I'm excelling at what I set my mind to. That being said, I also have a difficult time not sharing my successes and triumphs with those around me. Our own greatness is supposed to bring out the greatness is those around us, right? If we're only overachieving for the great good of ourselves, then we're only setting ourselves up to celebrate alone.
"If a man for whatever reason has the opportunity to lead an extraordinary life, he has no right to keep it to himself."
-- Jacques Cousteau
day 10, Space–where they are comfortable
What is their “spot” in the house? This can be a chair they watch TV in, a manroom, a bedroom, a workshop, their office, the garage, the car, the doghouse (LOL!). They can either be in the frame or not.
Kitties favorite place is the balcony. They both love to be outdoors. So much in fact that when I opened the curtains today they both ran to the door and basically begged me to open it. So, I did. Both of my kits ran out and pretty immediately ran back in (there was snow on the ground). But I did manage to capture this pic on my way out the door from my patio ice/snow table!
Left over "table scatter" hearts frozen over ... like my own heart! Haha, just kidding .. well, maybe!
Four hours ... what can you do in 4 hours .... Take a bath, read a book, get a massage, take over the world .. or ... work a half day! So the concept behind it is simple. Show up to work at 7:30, see 5 patients, then go home and do whatever the heck you want to with the remaining 5 hour difference between then and when you'd normally get home. Best part is, somehow I still find that I'm counting hours so I go work overtime again this week!?!? <3 my job!
08 gift from the heart
(what they have said, promised, done, given)
What has your spouse (or loved one) given or promised to you (material or immaterial)? Try to capture this “gift” from their heart.
Lex promises always to purr like crazy when I walk through the door (the paw to the face is his love pat .. no seriously, he's done that since day one!)
His hobby is ... harassing Kujo!
09 passions and hobbies
Document their extracurricular activity today. It can be them “doing” the activity or a photo that indicates what it is.
And scratching the daylights out of his cardboard cat-nip scratcher .. Thank you Target!!
What a great weekend! (I know, it’s Monday. I’m recapping here, bear with me). I got a chance to spend some time with my little sister and watch her try on her prom dress (which is gorgeous), spend some time with my mom, got my hair cut (first time someone other than me did it in 2 year?!?!) and then still managed to find some time to make a bunch of tasty-taste treats with friends for the super bowl game. Which, as to my very pleased self, had very good commercials this year! I was so disappointed with the last few years, and this year well, a double chest pump from the beaver pretty much put the 2011 commercials on the map for me!
Probably one of the most entertaining moments for me over the weekend –besides laughing for hours on ends during the super bowl – was the haircut experience. Anyone ever met a Japanese fighter pilot from Pearl Harbor? Pretty sure this is the gentleman that cut my hair. He was very elderly, very non-english speaking, and had a hard time standing as long as it took to cut my hair. The entire time I was watching him cut my hair I just kept thinking “It’s okay Chelsea, you’ve had bad haircuts before”. So long story short – I LOVE MY HAIR! He did such an amazing job, I cannot being to describe how relieved I was! And I would totally recommend Kap @ Styln Salon in Woodstock to anyone!
So, now to update my backlogged JOY of LOVE photos! Enjoy .. seeing as how none of them are my professional handy work!
06 who THEY love
Besides you, who is the apple of his eye? Is it your dog, the kids, his parents, his sibling? Document them with their loved one! If the loved one is not close by, then have them hold a photo of their “beloved”…this can also work for loved ones who have passed away.
Well that's an easy one ... Who do my kitties love, ME!
*Disclaimer: these photos are from my Droid*
07 generations
Now, I did not take this photo -- and it's not necessarily generations themed. But it is me, my sisters and my mom. This is my all time favorite photos!
You KNOW your loved one does something that drives you NUTS (but you LOVE to complain about it and the day just wouldn’t be the same if you didn’t have to complain about it). Capture it…if it is a non-physical thing, then just try to take a photo of something that embodies the idea.
Me, I love to hate that Sir Lexicon STILL drowns his toys in the water bowl. Silly catcoon!
Okay, wow. A lot has gone on in my 36 hour absence from updating you my fellow bloggies. So first of all, you may all now address me as, Chelsea Eckelkamp, OTR. That's right, OTR. Just waiting on my /L for the state of GA to recognize my awesome-OT-ness. Chelsea Eckelkamp, OTR/L. That's right, OTR/L. My /L for the state of GA to recognize my awesome-OT-ness came in this afternoon!! SO now it's double the fun at work, a real patient schedule, business cards, and double the pay! Got the OTR great news yesterday around 11am, had a great lunch with the co-workers, then all of a sudden, our day just became a cacophony of chaos. I mean, some days at work are busy and hectic, but yesterday afternoon pretty much takes the cake ... THE WHOOOLLLE CAKE. But it's over, and the office survived. Although, I'm not sure how good of an impression the three exhausted (::understatement::) therapists made at the first GHUESIG meeting. -- Yes, I now belong to a group that acronymed themselves, GHUESIG. But thankfully there were free chips, salsa, and vodka/tonics to get me through the social networking ... rough life!
Secondly, I'm now a day behind on posting my JOY OF LOVE photos.
So, day 3: Lesson in cropping
03 then and now
How long have you known your loved one? What has changed since you first met him or her? Try to capture this change in photos. it would be even cooler if you can show a photo from the time you first met him and put it side by side with a now photo. Or have your loved one hold the “Then” photo and snap the camera!
From the day I met him at 6wks old to today at 16 months old, Lex has gone from sprawling out at the size of my foot to the size of my entire torso
Day4: Lesson in metering
04 what they wear
Photograph your loved one’s clothes (either on him or in the closet). This can be when they are dressed up or dressed down.
Lex is badass with his skull & crossbones
And last, but certainly not least ... it's a sad week for indie/rock music fans. The White Stripes are no more. Jack & Meg White have officially announced they are done collaborating on music. :( So, to end this blog posting, I leave you with my favorite bridge from my favorite White Stripes song, The Denial Twist.
If you think that a kiss is all in the lips
C'mon, you got it all wrong, man
And if you think that a dance is all in the hips
Oh well, then do the twist If you think holding hands is all in the fingers
Grab hold of the soul where the memory lingers and
Make sure to never do it with a singer
Cause he'll tell everyone in the world
What he was thinking about the girl
Yeah, what he's thinking about the girl, oh
Nothing too exciting in my life today, minus sleeping through both my gym alarms and waking up at 6:15 thinking it was still 5am. I should be more excited that it's groundhogs day and that spring is coming early (thanks to Atlanta's very own Gen. Beauregard Lee). Apparently I need a ton more exercise in my life ... therefore I'm thinking that double days might be in order soon as the weather gets warmer so one can be outside! (And again, thanks to Gen. Beauregard Lee). So onto today's joy of love assignment:
02 how they look
"Capture your loved one at their best (or at their worst). Or both. What you’re trying to capture is the TRUE essence/expression/attitude/posture that SCREAMS your loved one! (and remember, your loved one can be ANYONE or any pet...and you don’t have to photograph the same person for each assignment)"
Well, my options here were myself, Kujo, or Lex ....
Lex & his heart toy; crazy high ISO settings
Swear, better blog posts are coming soon --- I'm just in a funk tonight. Or this week. Or this decade.
So while blog-stalking my very dear friend Megan, I came across her entry about the FREE online photography 'course' that she signed up for in February. It is by Willette Photography and pretty cool. Every day in Feb she sends out an email with a daily photo assignment along with tips, tricks, videos and pointers on how to capture THAT photo. If you are interested in checking it out, it is open enrollment at any time this month, and worth it if you enjoy the artful medium. Her blog has all the details: here. Now part of the 'course' is that we can post our daily photos to a Flickr account ... now, I took my photo, but went to upload it on there and everyone's is of their kid or husband or kids/pets together ... mine, it's just Lex. So, instead, I'm posting my own daily "Joy of Love" class photos on my own blog every day.
Today's assignment:
01: what they do
This can apply to anything your loved ones “do”….what do they do for work? What do they do for play? What chores do they do around the house? Find something they “DO” and document it. If you are photographing your spouse/partner today, then focus on their job perhaps. If you are photographing your children, then focus on what they play or them “doing” school. If your subject is your dog, then show him playing (or sleeping). The possibilities for this prompt are endless, as we all “DO” something each day. SO, get out your camera and catched your loved one "DOING" something.
So, here is what my loved one's do .... Lex, well, he likes to use his claws ... And Kujo, her favorite is to knock stuff off desks/tables/counters/etc.
And because I couldn't resist posting Lex snuggling/maiming his heart toy:
