Zhetta's Corner

By the way....

2010-06-02T16:06:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah i started a new blog just for my photography stuff to better display my work. Take a look. www.sbphotodesign.blogspot.com

Erin and Bri

2010-06-02T15:53:00.000-07:00

I took some test shots of Erin and her daughter Bri. Erin rarely makes an appearance on camera due to the fact that she's usually the one behind it :o) So before the previous baby photo session I made them both sit for me while I tested the light. Here's the result.

And my favorite of all poses by Bri, the psychotic pirate!

Makes me laugh everytime ;o)

A complete 180

2010-01-09T00:57:00.000-08:00

I realized a few weeks back, after my brief stint in the hospital, that I needed to make some serious changes. So I made an appointment with my doctor and the health coach. I stepped on the scale and maxed it out. They had to add extra weights on the end and i had to help the nurse figure my own weight out. And so it was I started out last month at the heaviest I've ever been: 360 lbs.

At first, It was a bit tough to deal with the fact that I had let my weight go out of control. I had quit taking my thyroid medication during my whole employer/insurance change. But I am determined to change. I managed to start making little changes; cut my portions, parked a little further out in the parking lot, eating less more often so that I wasn't hungry all the time. When i do slip up I realize it's not the end of the world. Yes i might have had something i shouldn't have but it's still better than not trying at all and I can still make the rest of my choices good ones.

To date I've lost 8 lbs in four weeks. I was waiting for calls at work and started thinking about my goal weight of 180lbs. I laughed when i realized figuratively and literally I was going to have to do a complete 180. I've decided that for a little extra support for myself I'm going to try to keep my momentum going by blogging a bit about what i have a feeling is going to be a pain in the butt, but all too worth it, struggle.

Anyhow, I'm headed to bed tonight. Check back in tomorrow.

P.S. Hopefully I can be one sassy hippo through this!

Moving.... yet again

2009-06-12T22:32:00.000-07:00

So I'm sitting in my room about to unhook my computer. I've packed just about everything else and my friends are in my kitchen touching my beloved antique mixing bowls. If they knew i was blogging while they were packing they'd have my head (sorry Heather and Juliene)! But i just had to blog one last time before I dismantle my computer for a week. EGAD! I wasn't here very long and there was a lot of drama and bad news had in this house. But it wasn't a terrible place to be. I lost 10 lbs climbing the stairs and it broke me of my furniture buying addiction... well sort of ;o) I am glad to be moving though. As much as I hate, hate, HATE! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATE the process of moving, It will be very nice to finally be settled some place for a little while with people who aren't exactly sane;o) but whom I love dearly and don't have a problem living with. I've learned a few things about moving; Always label your boxes, never pack your underwear in an unlabled box. ALWAYS pack suitcase of clothing AND hair products so that you don't show up to work looking like a homeless carrot top gone wrong. And never ever EVER move to an apt on the upstairs floor or you will truly find out who your friends are. Anyhow, I'd better get back to this packing before i lose my steam. Talk to you guys in a week.

A slightly sweaty and frazzled,

~Z~

It was just a little spark...

2009-05-05T13:08:00.001-07:00

In all the hubbub of the last several weeks I forgot to post this little incident that happened at McFatty's. This story involves loud noises, hot guys, and a headache.... Get your minds out of the gutter!! Anyway, I was meeting Heather and her girls for lunch and maybe a little shopping. My roommate decided to call and inform me that we were having a house guest, again. Now normally this wouldn't bother me, except for the fact that this houseguest comes with a 10 month old and we have a VERY small two bedroom apartment. Anyway, I told her that I was not happy about this, especially since we had just rid ourselves of a houseguest that had stayed for almost a month.

So after a heated conversation outside of McFatty's, I hung up and walked inside. As I walked in the front doors my purse bumped the fire alarm enclosure. This set off a local alarm which was loud and a little annoying. So I do what any self respecting "firestarter" would do and walked to the counter to order my lunch and pretend I didn't do it. Now the local alarm had NOTHING on the actual Fire alarm which the manager of McFatty's proceded to set off while trying to fix my mistake. As I'm huddled in the corner, Heather is laughing hysterically and the firefighters show up.

Heather begins to snap pictures and laugh. 15 minutes of a fire alarm and my lunch is finished and we walk out of the restaurant. It seems that setting off a fire alarm in a fast food restaurant tends to set a trend for the rest of the day. At least there was a little eye candy involved ;o)

~Z~

Life.....

2009-04-27T02:35:00.001-07:00

I used to think that life was precious. I understood that it was a delicate thing that can be gone in any moment. I've attended funerals of the old and sometimes the very young. But today I was reminded just how precious and fleeting it is. Tonight I received a call from my best friend. I couldn't make out much that she was saying. All I could make out between the gut wrenching sobs I was hearing was "I need you.... Kaiser...Emergency Room." That was all I needed. I drove 100 the whole way and prayed that nothing was wrong. That this call was just something that would work itself out. Deep down inside I knew it was different. I knew something was seriously wrong.

I pulled in located the Emergency Room. I found my friend's cousin first. I asked what was wrong. He said, "Beth is dead. She's dead." I didn't believe him. I thought it was some sick joke he was playing. Then I saw AJ's dad and realized it was no joke. I finally managed to find AJ sitting on the tailgate of her dad's truck in the parking lot, her sister next to her crying through her drunken stooper, "I want my mom I want my mom." Tragedy finds us in all states and times of our lives inconvenient or not it just is.

I didn't know what to say or do. All I could do was hug people. Words were suddenly the most insignificant thing. They pulled out. I went back into the emergency room, for what I'm not sure. I wanted to say goodbye I guess. I made it to the entrance of the room and saw her feet from under the surgical drape and realized that I couldn't go further. I turned around. That was not the last image I wanted in my head of Beth.

Beth was a beautiful woman. She was full of life despite her chronic pain and back injury. She was always happy to see you when you came in. She always missed you when you were gone. Once you walked into her home you were one of her children. That's just the way she was. She was a person who loved and took care of people as much as she could even if it meant giving you the shirt off her back. She loved her crafts and her quilts. There was much thought and care that went into her gifts and her relationships. She loved her girls VERY much and her husband even more.

After leaving the hospital I drove to AJ's house. I called my own mother to let her know what was going on and to tell her that I loved her. I arrived at the house. There were people outside and inside. Family members and dear neighbors. It was hectic at first. I ended up in the living room sitting beside AJ hugging her, getting water and tissues, and sobbing right next to her. There was even a little bit of laughter. There were some get well balloons that were promptly popped and thrown away. I sat down for a second on a sofa and grabbed a blanket. Beth's favorite blanket....

I was very blessed to have met AJ and her Mother. She treated me as one of her own from the moment in my sophomore year of Highschool when AJ brought me home to hang out. She helped me laugh through my teenage years and helped me work through things that I wasn't comfortable discussing with my own mother. Beth always understood, never judged and was always there to talk, cry with, or just to hang out and watch a movie with. I spent many hours at her kitchen table or at her bedside talking and laughing and joking. I will miss her so very, very much.

I finally left to let AJ and her family have some space and to be honest, I needed some time to myself to process. I still wanted it to be a joke. I still expect her to be there the next time I call or come by to see AJ. The hardest part is going to be going back to daily life without her there. She was one of a kind work of love who shared herself with everyone around her. I love you Beth and I miss you.

~Z~

Alisha's Fundraiser

2009-04-24T02:27:00.000-07:00

Hi all!

Today I woke up early... well early for me anyway ;o)... and went to Straw Hat Pizzeria to keep the Hulls company during their fundraiser for Alisha. For those of you that don't know, Alisha is a very special little girl. She was born with Camellia De Lange Syndrome (CDLS). CDLS is caused by a mutation in the genes. For Alisha this meant severe digestive tract issues. For the first several years of her life doctors were trying just to get enough nutrition to stay in her little body for her to grow and be healthy. They finally realized that she also has Celiacs disease which means that she cannot have gluten (aka: wheat). Alisha's Parents and Doctors worked hard and found a routine that worked for her to keep food in her wee body. Alisha is currently on a feeding tube and carries a small backpack around with her pump in it so that she can move around. Alisha has grown so much but really does not like wearing her backpack all day long or having her pump beep in the middle of her preschool class. Alisha is finally starting to eat a few grains of rice, some small crackers, and drink water. However she is a long way off from being able to eat enough to sustain her. Alisha was accepted into clinic in New Jersey that will provide treatments for her to help her learn to eat food. Please visit her blog and donate if you can.

So where was i.... Oh yes! The fundraiser! We stood outside and held signs for people to come in and buy pizza. Straw Hat pizza agreed to donate 50% of purchases to Alisha's treatments. Even Alisha was out there yelling "Pizza!! get your pizza!!" She also threw in the occassional "CAR WASH" which they will be having on Saturday.

Even her Uncle Jared got in on the sign waving! and for him that's quite a feat itself!So many people came out and showed their support for Alisha and her family! I was so impressed by just the random people who came up and donated what they could even above and beyond the pizza purchases. It was fantastic! Even Bri showed up to show her support! well... she was kinda of tired :o)

Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that showed up and did what they could for Alisha. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

Lots of hugs and love,

Zhetta

The worst part....

2009-04-07T02:42:00.001-07:00

944....945...946.... Okay I think I have come to the conclusion that the worst part about being a photographer is not the fact that every person that knows you wants you to bring your camera to any function you ever attend. No, that is not the worst. The worst part is all the post production work that goes into organizing, sorting and gently tweaking the photos that you took during the day. Makes me wish I took fewer photos ;o) Well... maybe not because then I would only have one or two to choose from instead of six. I must admit though, I have improved a great deal about getting the SOOC (straight out of camera) shots so there's not as much editing. After I give the photos to the bride and groom I will post some before and after shots on here for all to see. But as of right now... I am going... to pass ou-....zzzzzzzzzzzzz..........

Today

2009-04-01T15:09:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I think I'm going to skip the obligatory "I'm sorry i haven't blogged in months" apology. You all know me and know that, well, I get to things when I get to things. I've been enjoying life with my new storm and not ever having to log into my computer.

Recently, I have had enough offers for my side hobby for it to possibly be considered a business possibility. I've had back to back referrals for invitation design and if i must say so myself they are looking pretty smart.

I'm working on putting some on my site but I need a few releases signed first. Each design gets a little more creative. It was nice this time that I had a bride that wasn't on a super tight budget. Mind you my invitations are STILL cheaper than the going rate out there for custom designed invitations. But it's nice to have more than a $250 budget to print 600 invitations. I also have my second Wedding Job for photography coming up on Friday. I'm super nervous about screwing everything up. This is for my friend Ben and his lovely soon to be wife, Carrie. I keep having flashbacks to my friend Brian's wedding his crack photographer who was secretly in love with him and sabotaged his wedding photos. But the situation is not what theirs was and I am not that crazy you know who that was also my roommate. Ben & Carrie are two very relaxed people. I honestly think that even at my worst they would still like my photos as long as you could see all the people in them :o) but I am pretty good with a camera (so I'm told) and I am a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my photography and even more so because I want their day to be perfect! So I have a feeling all will go well. Now if only I can put in an order for the wind to stop :o)

Other than my photography and design stuff my real job is going well. almost done with all my training and headed to my new supervisor. Should be interesting as she's already requiring a lot and with my affinity for not getting along with fellow females very well, it should make it even MORE interesting. But I'll just work hard and keep my head down. Works most times.

Life other than that is pretty much the same as it was this time last year. I do miss having Jeremy around. My mom found a Valentine's day card from him while I was moving and like any self respecting mom she read it :o) Don't worry it was PG ;o) She asked me how he could have changed his mind and just quit. I didn't really know what to tell her. I don't really know myself. He never did answer that question for me. But I find myself realizing that it doesn't matter too much. I've gotten over my obsessive need for closure from past relationships. I suppose all I need to know is that it wasn't working for him and that's enough to end a relationship. No need for "whys" or "what did I do wrong". Life works itself out. I have my awesome family and some terrific friends that help get me through.

Speaking of friends. We had Joe's birthday party at my house and I must say it was a lot of fun. I felt bad though because I didn't have much for the kids to do and I had to keep asking them to stop running around (i hate being a fuddy duddy). but other than that we had a good time with games, pirate themes, and the dart pistol i bought Joe....There were a few casualties ;o) Anyway, life has been good and fun :o) I hope all of you are doing well too! lots of hugs and loves!

Andrea

Juan Mann....

2009-01-02T19:08:00.000-08:00

Sometimes all it takes is Juan Mann to make a difference. In my web surfing adventures this evening I ran across two real gems. The one you see in my previous post and this one. Now, I'm not a hippie or a believer in free love but I am firm believer in the power of a Hug. When I worked retail at the Church bookstore I found myself hugging a lot of people and I mean a LOT. Sometimes they were sad, sometimes they were happy, or sometimes they were grateful to meet someone who would listen to them for just a little while. I don't know why and I never really question why people would so willingly hug me. I've always been a soft around the edges person and soft around the middle too ;o) And the truth of it was though, I actually enjoyed the hugs as much as those people. It filled something that I've missed a great deal lately. Mind you, I still get my fair share of hugs from my friends and family. But sometimes, you just need to hug someone who is or recently was a perfect stranger. I applaud that this man had the courage to fill a need for himself and for others. All it took was Juan Mann to make a difference... enjoy!

looking for a stranger to hug,

~Z~

How a Goof made the world smile.

2009-01-02T18:36:00.000-08:00

My Favorite brother in law (my only brother in law) sent me this video today and i just had to share. I was expecting some funny joke video of someone doing something goofy, and well... it was :o) But it was also very touching. First I was amazed that "G" had found something on the internet that I had yet to see and any of you who know me know that I have seen just about EVERY internet clip and e-mail trend. But then I was immediately amazed by this little number. At first I laughed at the goofiness of this man but then I settled in for the long haul. I found it all together enchanting and by the end I was a little misty eyed and even a bit envious that Matt had been able to do something I've wanted to do since I was little, Travel the world! I don't mean just the tourist sites but to see and enjoy the people and places. I deeply admire his ability to visit so many places and put a smile on at least a few people's faces (mine included) and it all stemmed from a goofy little dance that he does so badly and yet, so well :o) So take a look. I hope you get as much enjoyment out of it as I did. And if you're interested in finding out a little more about Matt, Click Here. In the mean time I'm going to go drool over his travel log ;o)

Envious Explorer,

~Z~

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) @ Yahoo! Video

Just for Heather Hu??

2008-12-14T22:12:00.000-08:00

Okay Heather! Here you go! a link to your sisters wedding photos! i know you have a hard time navigating my photo page so let me know if you can't figure it out!

Love you! hehe

~Z~

Song of the day...

2008-12-14T21:35:00.000-08:00

My Canadian ex boyfriend e-mailed me this song the other day and I rather like it. It makes me want to jump around and have a little fun :o) Plus it adds to the way I've been feeling lately. I'm feeling good about life, a little lonely in the quiet moments, but nothing too terrible or depressing. I'll hopefully be starting school again soon (paid for by The Phone Company)and working towards getting my bachelor. I've got a great job and I'm starting to be able to pay down my debt. Life is pretty good. That's all for now. Gotta get some sleep. I'll blog again tomorrow about my weekend. So go have some fun and Jump around a little! Ciao!

~Z~

Current state of things

2008-11-30T18:58:00.000-08:00

``

I made it back from my sister's house with my sanity in tact (no small feat). I am more than gently reminded why my sister and I get along better with several states between us :o) We did manage to get up to DC and have a nice dinner and walk around the Mall.

I started my new job at The Phone Company the day after I flew back from Virginia. It was actually really easy to get up and out on time seeings how I had become acclimated to waking up 6:30 Est. I love my new job. I know I'm still in training and it will be different once I get out on the floor. But I love working with people and feeling like I can choose where I want to go in the Company.

As I walked to my car the other day I stopped in mid sentence to my carpool buddy. we were talking about some theory or another and I stopped dead in my tracks for a moment. I had a brief moment (no longer than a few heart beats) where something was amazingly clear to me. I felt like someone who after a long sickness understands how grateful they are to be whole again. I realized that for the first time in 5 1/2 years I felt like the person that I truly was/am. The me that almost suffocated under the daily mind *bleep* and crap at The Insurance Company. The un-jaded, optimistic me that could hold a whole conversation without once mentioning my problems or work. I felt free!

"You going to open the door for me or what?" Michael shook me from my moment of clarity.
"I don't open the door for special people named Michael." I stuck my tongue out at him and hit the button on my remote. I've always been a smart alec.

Anyway, I feel amazingly good right now. I do miss Dendy in the quiet moments but hey, I'm entitled to a few moments of break up blues. And I'm still trying to get my second diploma out of The School From Hell (I certainly earned it). But MY life is finally here and accounted for and ready to be enjoyed. I no longer live to work. I work to LIVE :o) and it feels so Refreshing!

Living like me again,

~Z~

Done.

2008-11-13T20:52:00.000-08:00

Well, it's done! I've left The Company for good. No turning back. It was incredibly happy and sad all day long. I laughed and I cried and I was pleasantly surprised when they sent me out with a little fanfare. I will be forever grateful for the people I met at work and through work. They really helped me become who I am. I know, I know, it's just a job. It is and it isn't. I spent 8 hours of my life there 5 days a week. I saw them more than I saw my family and my friends So to make it better they became my family and friends. You cannot possibly spend that much time with the same people and not come away unchanged. Anyway, I'm headed to the airport now to go see some more of my family :o) I get to see my beautiful nieces and nephews, my Awesome big sister and her cool husband and my best friend and her beautiful little girls and husband. My cup truly runneth over.... Ciao for now! I'll be back with LOTS of pictures (how could i not? It's the East Coast in the fall!).

Cheerily Content,

~Z~

Change is coming...

2008-11-12T23:09:00.000-08:00

I haven't been sleeping very well so I thought I would blog. So much has changed in the last week. I've turned 27 (yay me), I'm single again, and I'm starting a new job in the weeks to come. If you'd asked me when I was 10 where I thought I would be at 27, aside from saying "old", I probably would have said something about wanting to be a Dolphin training journalist doctor married with 2 kids and a dog. Okay so i was a bit over zealous in my dreaming but who could decide when there were so many cool things I could be! But hey, that's what life is, a process of elimination of the things we don't like and some of the things we do. Eventually you end up with some of your dreams still intact but slightly rearranged :o) I didn't go to medical school (the blood made me queasy). I did take a break from college but I learned the value of education and went back to get my AA and AAS and someday I'll get my BA. I realized that I can't sing that well...trust me on this one... and I'm not a piano virtuoso... definitely not. I did realize that I love people and being part of their lives. I love cameras and writing stories and laughing with my friends until my cheeks hurt. I've learned that there are good men out there but that things don't always work out even with the good ones. I've lived life so far and learned what I can. I'd like to think that I'm on the right track, wherever that track might lead. And these changes that are happening right now are okay. It's scary as hell and a little on the painful side but it just means that it'll be so much more worth it later on. I feel better getting a few things out of my head and onto virtual paper. I'm sure there will be another post tomorrow if there is time before my red eye to Virginia. Ciao for now.

~Z~

P.S. this is what i was listening to while I was blogging.

P.P.S. Thank you to my friends who threw me a wonderful impromptu birthday party that helped ease some of the changes in my life. Thanks B for saving me from my pity party of one and sorry about the snot shirt:oD Love ya!

Final Halloween

2008-10-31T16:17:00.000-07:00

It was my final Halloween at The Agency. It really brought up some odd emotions. It's bitter sweet; exciting and thrilling but at the same time it makes me sad to know that I've spent 5 1/2 years in this place. Sometimes I'm angry that I gave them so much to be terminated when they were done with me. Sometimes it makes me feel good to know i spent 5 1/2 years listening to the people who have become my friends, laughed with them and enjoyed the good times and the bad and even crying over the stress and the heartache that is The Agency.
It's amazing to me how much I've changed in that time. I always knew they would have to give me the boot to get me to leave no matter what I was put through. I've been through a fiance, 2 boyfriends, the death of 4 loved ones. Looking back on it, I cannot believe I've lost and gained so much in 5 years. I've been here during so many important times in my life. It will be odd not to have it be part of me, to not come to work excited or needing to talk to my friends. Some of my friends at the Agency will be my friends for the rest of my life. Some I may never see again. But for 5 years it was my life. It was life lived. A lot of strong bonds and good came with a lot of bad.
It's not quite time to say goodbye just yet. 2 more weeks. That's all that's left. I think I will enjoy the time I have and consider myself lucky that I get to go to work for the next two weeks with some of my dearest friends.

Besides... Who could be sad after spending a day surrounded by such sweet faces :o)

Happy Halloween Everyone
~Z~

Field of Weeds

2008-04-10T16:45:00.001-07:00

Originally posted by Sorriso Bella Sometimes something unwanted can be beautiful. This photo came out like a dream. I can feel the breeze on my face, smell the sweet summer grasses and can hear the buzz of the bugs. Ah Summer is almost here!

a dream...

2008-03-06T16:06:00.001-08:00

Blue lake

Originally uploaded by
dazstudios

I used to like to lie on the grass as a child on a warm spring day and watch the puffy clouds. Sometimes I would fall asleep with the warmth of the sun on my face and have dreams of the cloud ship pirates sailing across the sea of blue and white have adventures untold. Once, i woke up to an darkly overcast sky and a strong wind. I was disoriented and a little frightened until I realized that even though the world is a bit darker than it was when I fell asleep it was still the same world with my family and friends and stuffed animals. This picture reminds me of that day and that even though the world can suddenly seem darker, that the things that I love still exist.

~z~

Sous la pluie et par temps gris

2008-03-06T11:42:00.001-08:00

Sous la pluie et par temps gris, Château de Chamarande, Chamarande, France 2008
Originally uploaded by Baloulumix

*Under the rain and in gray weather, Castle of Chamarande, Chamarande, France 2008*

when i first saw this photo on black it jumped out at me. The touch of yellow moss on formerly golden locks, the light shades of the dirt on the stone hinting at the blush of a cheek, adds to the effect of this photo. The stone face of a sad, almost pouting child. Color makes it seem as if it once was a living child that has faded as time fades, becoming slowly a petrified marker of life and its beauty. It is hypnotizing to me with its far away look of sadness and perhaps longing. beautiful photo.

Flickr

2008-03-06T11:35:00.001-08:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.