Packing Up

Vacation = fun.

Getting ready for vacation = not fun.

Does anyone else, when considering departing for vacation, become filled with an overwhelming feeling of dread or anxiety? There is also that "point of no return" where you know you cannot politely decline Thanksgiving dinner at the in-laws, the dog kennel is not refunding your deposit, and your new brake-job on the wagon would be rendered pointless if you didn’t have to drive across the state just to make sure they work properly.

But ... your bags are not entirely packed, the house is a mess, your bills and paperwork are not taking care of themselves even while you’re gone, and there is a part of you that really just wants to retreat in your sweatpants into the basement with 89 movies and not come out until the holidays (or vacation) is over.

Right? Am I alone in this?

It takes a LOT to get ready for vacation. Often it feels like a 10-hr endurance-a-thon filled with stairs, bags, laundry, folding, cleaning, checking things (heat, lights, exterior doors, lists), more stairs, prodding, pushing, begging, gesturing, more stairs, trips to the car, final check of the house … leading up to that joyous point that involves closing the front door behind you, turning the key in the lock (only to check it one last time), and then sighing a big sigh of relief as you walk down the front stairs to your car with new brakes, packed to the gills with … crap … that you might need during the 4 days you’re away from home.

Right? Am I alone in this?

And then you get on the road, and you get where you’re going, and you have a great time and that book you brought with you never gets opened let alone looked at, and then, by the time you emotionally and mentally transition into your vacation, it’s Sunday, and you are on your way home again, jiggity jig.

Yes. Vacation.

Which is why I am totally in love with the word “staycation” which a friend of mine recently introduced me to. A vacation while staying put. That sounds pretty ideal right about now - I’m convinced that I could make great use of a staycation (except it would probably be filled with cleaning and bills and getting “caught up” and all those things that otherwise go neglected for a stretch of time). Maybe I can have my staycation after my vacation. That sounds nice.

As for this vacation, I survived the getting ready part, the departure part, and am now in the “on the road” part (and am EXHAUSTED!), but am so ready for a vacation. And I am hoping that for all of you in the same boat, you love getting there, you love the vacation part, and that the return part is not too painful.

And in the meanwhile, I am going to make a list comprised of sub-lists that will serve as my “Standard Operating Procedures” for getting out of town. (Clothing/packing list, extra items list (cell phone, laptop, vitamins, personal care products, etc), photography equipment list, things to be done at home before leaving list, etc). I am pretty sure this could only help. I don't need to reinvent this crazy wheel again and again and again!

Like a new friend recently said “Build & iterate, iterate & build.” Do it once, test it, refine it, do it again. :) She used to work at Google. I'm pretty sure the Google did something right.

Happy Turkey Day, all!!

Least Favorite Thing

It is a very sad state of affairs that what compels me to write today is MY. VERY. LEAST. FAVORITE. THING. EVER.

Or at least in the past month or so.

Let me start by saying: I love my dogs. I have a t-shirt that says this in case I need to later prove this point. They are good, kind, gentle, loving little doggie beings (except when Tanner is trying to bite the ankles of certain delivery men that escalate his anxiety ... we are working on that). I love my dogs.

But I hate their poo.

There is nothing worse than dog poo between the toes. Unless it is very upset-slightly-runny-smelling-of-petroleum-by-products-or-nuclear-waste-kind-of-dog-poo-between-the-toes. That is worse. Especially when it happens to you at 6 am, totally unsuspecting, right INSIDE your back door. Yes, inside. Lovely. It was just ... so horrible I was dry heaving, hoppping my way over to the kitchen sink to dowse my foot in chemical after chemical after cancer causing chemical.

I was up at that hour to begin working on a reply brief due today by noon, and instead spent the first 30 minutes scrubbing toxic dog poo from my foot and then my dining room rug. The wonderful aroma of the pot of coffee I brewed didn't even begin to cover the stench. Even after all that scrubbing on the carpet (in the end, even after all the chemicals, I dumped half a bottle of vinegar out scrubbing scrubbing scrubbing), I. could. still. smell. it.

So I sat there - spent my wee morning hours - stuck in that stench and instead trying to simultaneously think loving thoughts of my dogs, think happy thoughts for myself, and adeptly craft my response to ridiculous item after ridiculous item in opposing counsel's ridiculous brief while trying to pinch my nostrils shut. This is hard to do when typing a brief requires use of both hands and a fully-engaged brain.

But at the conclusion of my mad typing session, when I arose to place 20 lbs of files and my laptop into my briefcase, it should have come as no surprise that I discovered a SECOND disgusting mess on the other side of the table ... this explained the overpowering stench that had continued even after the first clean-up attempt.

Ick!! Ick. Ick. Ick.

I write this disgusting synopsis not to gross anyone out, but instead to perform the good service of warning all potential dog owners out there WHAT LIFE WITH A DOG IS REALLY LIKE on the worst of days (following upset tummies from eating too much, getting flu shots, eating dirt or twigs or rocks, or any other bad-tummy scenario) so that you don't unknowingly fall into the honeymoon phase with rose-colored glasses and then slip on in to happily ever after only to be shocked back into reality in the dark at 6 am with a terribly uncomfortable feeling between your toes.

That said: I love my dogs. (But I also hate their poo.)

Time for Me

I am so way past due on one of my "favorite things" posts.

The days keep flying by as I pound through legal work, grow my photography business, try to keep the house clean, make additional lists of what else needs to be done, attempt to become more and more and more organized to streamline things and become more efficient in order to give myself more time to be creative - there really IS something to that "systemetizing" concept!

But, my goal really is to STOP neglecting my blog. I think about you, little blog, every day. I think about you while I'm on the 520 bridge in traffic, I think about you while I'm making dinner. I think about you when something funny, or horrible, or weird happens. If I could write what I think you'd be very very very very full at the moment.

I'd tell you that I tripped and fell yesterday because I was so consumed with my thoughts. This was after I went to the grocery store with my REUSABLE bag on my shoulder (so as not to forget it in the car!!) and then stood in line so consumed with my thoughts, forgot that it was on my shoulder, and proceeded to collect my groceries in PLASTIC bags anyways. Sigh. Luke laughed. And I told him it must be why he loves me, right? Right? Right!

But along with thinking about a lot of OTHER stuff, ideas, some of them BIG, work, strategies for dealing with difficult people (i.e. lying $#&@!*& attorneys!), upcoming holidays, boiling myself down into 5 words for my photography "branding" exercise (started at 400 words), etc, etc, I HAVE been collecting a recent list - in my head, of course - of favorite things. Woohoo! Here we go:

1. American Apparel's BAMBOO tights. Love them! Look at their massive selection here.

2. And these!! Seriously, how cute can a lunch bag get?! Neoprene, stain resistant, and washable! Check out Built!!

3. And for all you women (or men!) out there who need a dose of MOXY (don't you just love that word? I do!), check out this website, and its very cool message.

4. And who doesn't love mice? And penguins? Okay - who doesn't love CHOCOLATE mice and penguins? I just received Burdick Chocolate's (longstanding Bostonian chocolatier) latest catalog ... and I want like half the stuff in there. But especially the mice and penguins. What a cool chocolate gift!

5. Labelmakers. Get one. I got one yesterday, and in one evening it has revolutionized my life of filing. (FUN now, for starters ... okay, almost fun!), but now my files LOOK tidy, they are so much easier to read and sort through (I re-labeled ALL my existing files and took my stack of paperwork from like 4 feet high down to, um, maybe 1 foot high, all in one evening! Tonight I plan to finish the job.

P.S. And just so you don't think I'm a big nerd, which I am, this labelmaker prints in basic BLACK & WHITE, which is how I prefer my labels. I do not put hearts and other silly things on them. Though if you like me better because you think I do, then I'll let you think that. :)

6. Getting Things Done. Go read it. Or go visit David Allen's website and learn about his "GTD" program. Think streamlining, simplifying, delegating, doing. Some of my favorite tips: 1) if it is going to take less than 2 minutes, just do it now. 2) Figure out the "inboxes" in your life - those places that collect incoming things (i.e. voicemail, email (or multiple emails!), mailbox, your desk at work, your desk at home, perhaps the back seat of your car, that neglected corner of your kitchen counter, etc.) - and streamline them or get rid of them so you are down to absolutely ONLY the ones you need and no more. 3) create systems that you follow every time something comes "in" to save your time, energy and sanity ... I need my sanity the most, so am committed to his system!

7. Strengthfinders 2.0. Go take it. It's a test. It's a FUN test. (Buy the book first, and you will be given a code in the book that allows you to take the test, which is online). The basic premise of this book is that we too often spend way too much time focusing on our weaknesses and how to overcome them, and instead we should be focusing our energy on maximing our strengths! What a brilliant idea, you say? I know - it is! I am often caught on the wrong side of that one. So I loved this book. The test helps you determine your greatest strenghts. The results (i.e. a detailed examination of your TOP 5 STRENGTHS) may surprise you - they surprised me. If you take it, check back with me to let me know how it went!

8. Like saving money? The premise for this website is just cool. See if "Groupon" is in your city - I just discovered this a few days ago and already can't wait to see what comes my way. Oh, and tell your friends.

9. "Expand in joy." You want to, I know it! So does Deepak Chopra whose tweets I follow. Isn't that a great thought?

10. And finally: B&W. I love it. Going to leave you with this photo, which I just think is cool.

I Heart This Seattle Photographer Group

Life has had me busy up to the tippy top of my head recently.

This weekend I realized I need to slow down to: 1) breathe, 2) spend time outside more often (if not DAILY!), 3) laugh and enjoy my favorite people as often as possible, 4) spin circles if I feel like it, 5) eat twix, 6) then go running, 7) dig around in the dirt, 8) be in touch with people I miss, 9) sleep in (occasionally), and 10) then look forward to Monday.

Last weekend I was able to spend some time with my Seattle FTP (fast-track-photographers) group - (I heart them). We all got together to take portraits of each other so we can update websites, etc. I loved watching other photographers work and seeing some totally take charge in posing people, setting up the shot, and controlling lighting, etc. Always more to learn!!

Riley got this shot of me. I love love loved watching Riley work. :) Though I am much more comfortable on the OTHER side of the lens.

This is Riley. She is darling, terrific at portraiture, and is going to have a baby!! Woohoo!

Steve has a great smile. It is super fun to have Steve a part of our group - he comes with a lot of experience in techy-computer-SEO-icky stuff. :)

I loved this photo of Jessica. Though if it were in color you'd see her amazing red hair and blue eyes. Can you believe this skinny minny had a baby just WEEKS ago?

My buddy, Kat. We've been getting together (i.e. dragging our arses out of bed at 7 am) for weekly breakfast and coffee meet-ups which have been awesome!

Jen has hops! Spunky girl who joined us for our photo shoot. She attended Dane's workshop in California (the rest of us met in Seattle). We are super happy to have Jen join our group.

Doug knows a lot about cameras. I love listening to him talk about the various features, models, lenses, etc. Doug is a kind soul.

I have loved collaborating with these people, and am looking forward to future gatherings. Especially if they involve jumping and laughing. :)

Family Portraits for the Lovely Shannon Medisky

Isn't it nice when you finally put a face with a name? Shannon and I have been having phone conversations for months now about various things related to work, advertising, graphic design, blogging, etc., and finally yesterday, I had the good fortune to photograph Shannon and her darling family.

Shannon is the author of the recently published "Idiot's Guide to Stretching Your Dollar." Creative, clever, chock-full of money saving tips, and feedback on where it is okay to spend money in the current economy, Shannon's book gives even the frugal something new to think about. And on top of all that cleverness, she is downright darling! Kind, funny, uplifting, she is just the kind of person you want to spend time with!

Go visit her at her website Medisky Media, a portal to find out more about Shannon, her work, her book, her blog, and more!

Munching the Munchkins

How cute are these little faces? I either want to squish them up and carry them around with me in my pockets all day or come up with some other way to condense down this much cuteness into an absorbable form, like a daily vitamin.

Why Being a Pearce is Never Boring

I just have to say: I am so happy to be a Pearce.  Seriously.  We have some hardcore survival instincts.  They could be called other things as well, but I like to put a positive twist on things.  Particularly when it relates in any way to me.  I could go on and on about why I think we Pearce's have good survival instincts.  And why I seriously hope the trend continues.

I did not think it was such a big deal growing up in the country, one of six kids, daughter of a veterinarian, (don't get me wrong, I loved it, and thought our family was pretty special, but really had no idea that other kids were maybe not having the exact same experience!).  I learn that as I recount stories as an adult, it may be that we did indeed have a unique childhood experience.  I tend to get raised eyebrow after raised eyebrow.  

Maybe the moral of the story is to stop telling stories.  But I can't.  I love my family!  What are we, if not a 30+ year book of stories (at least among us kids) ... My dad's stories are simply OFF. THE. CHARTS.  In fact, I am going to call him tomorrow and tell him to start writing the book, or 10 books that he could write, filled with his amazing stories.  Seriously amazing.  Like "the cat has 9 lives" amazing.

But all I can say is that I am happy to be a Pearce.

I do believe that I would punch a shark and would be capable of saving my own life in the process, despite being strong but not a strong swimmer (Pearce's sink, but the fact that we survive all kinds of situations involving water is even more a testament to our physical strength).  

I often think of wilderness survival skills and am constantly thinking in my mind if I had to be the last one standing, hiking, walking, enduring, whatever, that I could.  Weird, I know.  But I think it is programmed into us Pearce's.  As a little girl I used to dream of heading off into the wilderness with my "fanny pack" - seriously funny when I think of it now.  But I had put together this little fanny pack full of emergency supplies - twine, razor blades, whistle, wire saw, emergency blanket, aspirin, waterproof matches, pocketknife, compass, etc., and secretly I wished to be stranded and having to survive on my own.  Careful what you wish for, I guess.  But at least my fanny pack in 5th grade was a step up from "a breadsack stuffed with cookies" which was my survival plan for my running away episode in kindergarten.  (I ran away to the neighboring fields with my cookies, quite sure I could survive weeks at a time - we lived in Middleton,  Idaho at the time.)  

I'm sure I simply got bored after a few hours and forgot why I was running away after all, but it was probably pretty exciting walking and hiding and daydreaming all the while being on the lam.  Anyways, clearly, if I'm packing bread bags full of cookies at age 5, I am a survivor.

All this background is only called to mind because I spent a few minutes on the phone with my Dad today and heard another unbelievable Dad story.  My dad is a pretty good storyteller ... yet he was not making any of this up.  I just have to laugh at the instincts that pop up among certain members of my family in situations calling for split second decisions.  And by certain members of my family, I mean pretty much "all of us," - but this story is really about two of us. 

I am getting tired, so I will have to tell the full story tomorrow.  But I am so glad that Drew and Dad are alive and not in jail.  I just hope the guys whose face is all busted up heals quickly and that he learns he should not try to steal just anybody's pick up truck at 4:30 in the morning.  He might be met by two mad cowboys who successfully chase him down on foot while he's driving away in their truck, only to be yanked out and smashed to the ground and held supine until the arrival of ambulance, police and firemen while bleeding ... just a little.