Yesterday started out kind of rough for several small, insignificant reasons. I had the hardest time sleeping and probably only got about 3 hours of sleep for the entire night. When Kamila woke up, Chip had to get out the door asap and I had to tend to a very demanding and ornery almost-2-year-old.
We did our usual routine: breakfast, clean-up, play-time/annoying Dora playing on the background. At this point I figured it was safe to finish some projects on my computer.
Safe was an understatement.
I was happily creating new photography actions and reading my sweet friend Jessica's blog post when all of a sudden Kami runs over to me with my mighty hairbrush and bangs it on my computer's spacebar.
The end. {Of that computer anyway}
My laptop froze, wouldn't turn off, I made it turn off, took the battery out, then it wouldn't turn on. At all. Then the tears came {Jess, I blame you mostly for this}, I called my IT savvy hubby and we figured the best thing to do was to take it in to the Apple store in Salt Lake.
Sigh.
A 40 minute drive two ways with an ornery baby did not sound like fun. Anyway, Kami was a doll the entire time {which is especially unusual at the Apple store-too many things to look at and not being able to touch} and I got the best customer service ever. I told the gentleman that was helping me about the issues I have had with my Macbook in the past and he mentioned how unusual these issues were for a Mac. He took the laptop with him and disappeared to the backroom for about 20 minutes.
He walks back out and gives me the bad news: my beloved laptop was dead. Like, "nothing-we-can-do-here-but-MAYBE-they-can-fix-it-in-California" dead. He must have seen my huge disappointment and preoccupation because he said:
Awesome Apple Guy: "You know what, I can't understand why it is not working. I took it apart and it looks immaculate. SO... we normally don't do this but I think I would like to offer you a new computer...it would be the silver one though."
Me: Really? I don't care what color it is as long as I have a computer! (I am leaving town in a few days and absolutely need a computer for the shoots I will be doing on vacation)
Awesome Apple Guy disappears for another 3 minutes and lo and behold, comes back in the room with the store manager AND -
a brand-new Macbook PRO still in the box {YES, an upgrade from my Macbook that was 2 years old and bought for only $400} for free. I couldn't believe it. I still can't.
So, moral of the story is {no, I promise my intention is not to brag...well, maybe just a little}:
1. It ALWAYS pays off to be courteous to everyone you deal with
----- and most importantly -----
2. Many times in life we lose things only to have them be replaced with better things, be it a laptop, job, friends, etc.
Everything happens for a reason and everything always works out in the end.
Thank you Kami for ruining my laptop :)
Photography
I finally have accomplished a major goal. I have been working on my photography blog for the longest time and now it is up and running and I feel like a pretty smart cookie.
{Did I mention that I designed it myself? Yeah, I did. Not to brag or anything.}
Embarking on this new adventure has been quite the bumpy road. There have been emotional ups and downs. At times I have felt like I don't have enough time to do everything I wish I could do, inadequate, dealt with the effects of abrasive criticism and spite, just to name a few.
On the other hand, I have learned so much about myself and what I am capable of becoming and doing. I have finally learned that I need to do what is best for my family and myself and seek the things that will make us happy and everything else doesn't matter. Including critics. After all, it is true that I am my worst critic; but furthermore, I have decided that I will not allow myself to listen to any critics, including myself.
I digress. Anyway, who would have thought that I had some graphic designer capabilities in me? I wouldn't have!
Lesson to be learned: you can do anything you set your heart to. Including designing small (but very time consuming), little projects like this one: www.kristalprice.com
{Did I mention that I designed it myself? Yeah, I did. Not to brag or anything.}
Embarking on this new adventure has been quite the bumpy road. There have been emotional ups and downs. At times I have felt like I don't have enough time to do everything I wish I could do, inadequate, dealt with the effects of abrasive criticism and spite, just to name a few.
On the other hand, I have learned so much about myself and what I am capable of becoming and doing. I have finally learned that I need to do what is best for my family and myself and seek the things that will make us happy and everything else doesn't matter. Including critics. After all, it is true that I am my worst critic; but furthermore, I have decided that I will not allow myself to listen to any critics, including myself.
I digress. Anyway, who would have thought that I had some graphic designer capabilities in me? I wouldn't have!
Lesson to be learned: you can do anything you set your heart to. Including designing small (but very time consuming), little projects like this one: www.kristalprice.com
Inspired
I have had a couple of thoughts play over and over again in my mind since yesterday.
I went to my hair appointment feeling glee simply due to 2 reasons:
1.) I love getting my hair done by Annesa. She is the most amazing hairdresser. Seriously. I am a pretty picky girl when it comes to my hair and this gal just "gets" me. She does exactly what I ask for AND she does an exceptional job. Getting my hair done is so revitalizing.
2.) Not only is she an amazing artist, but she is a wonderful friend. Every single time I see her, I leave feeling inspired by her.
So, this is where the point of this post comes in. Annesa told me that we all have to have role models for the things that we aspire to achieve and/or for the qualities we aspire to possess. I know what kind of person I want to become and what qualities and talents I want to possess. So it has me thinking: Who are my role models?
Just to name a couple:
My mother. She has the willingness and dedication to serve others like few people I have ever seen. She is such a nurturing, loving person.
My husband. He teaches me so much about being unselfish.
People like you inspire me to reach for my goals, to reach beyond where I think my limits are.
Who are your role models? What do they inspire you to be?
I went to my hair appointment feeling glee simply due to 2 reasons:
1.) I love getting my hair done by Annesa. She is the most amazing hairdresser. Seriously. I am a pretty picky girl when it comes to my hair and this gal just "gets" me. She does exactly what I ask for AND she does an exceptional job. Getting my hair done is so revitalizing.
2.) Not only is she an amazing artist, but she is a wonderful friend. Every single time I see her, I leave feeling inspired by her.
So, this is where the point of this post comes in. Annesa told me that we all have to have role models for the things that we aspire to achieve and/or for the qualities we aspire to possess. I know what kind of person I want to become and what qualities and talents I want to possess. So it has me thinking: Who are my role models?
Just to name a couple:
My mother. She has the willingness and dedication to serve others like few people I have ever seen. She is such a nurturing, loving person.
My husband. He teaches me so much about being unselfish.
People like you inspire me to reach for my goals, to reach beyond where I think my limits are.
Who are your role models? What do they inspire you to be?
Someone had a birthday...
Once again, I have failed at taking pictures of an important event. Oh well...he will have many more birthdays so that I can redeem myself. Chip's birthday was on a Sunday, but we started the festivities on Friday. Angelle, Mark, JD, Katie, Kamila, Chip and I started off the evening with dinner at Malawis. So good! We really liked that it is a sit-down dining place yet you can chat away to your hearts desire without the subtle, yet annoying, hints given by a server to hurry up and make way for the next tip-paying patron.
Afterwards we headed over to the Provo Beach Resort for some bowling, and OH MAN, it was hilarious! JD, you crack us up. I have never seen anyone fling a bowling ball so beautifully as you do.
On Saturday, my best friend Laura (this girl deserves her own post- we have been friends since we were 9 or 10 and have never had any sort of disagreement. Yes, its true. That is how amazing she is and what an extraordinary friend she is.) watched Kami while Chip and I went up to Salt Lake for some shopping and dinner. Our friends and us decided to eat at Texas Roadhouse. We called ahead and were told to come in in 30 minutes. Well, we got there exactly when they told us to and yet had to wait another 30-45 minutes to be seated. The manager was made aware of our situation and offered to comp 2 appetizers for the wait. We eventually got a table and received the best service ever. Our server was awesome! After Chip was obliged to ride the saddle as we sang to him and once we had finished our dinner, our server informed us that the manager wanted to comp our party's ENTIRE meal for the hassle we went through. Sweet, huh?! We then watched a movie and headed home.
On Sunday, the 3 of us went to church and were there the entire time. I think that alone was one of the best things about this birthday. We then had dinner with our closest friends and Laura made the best "chocoflan" ever! I can't believe I have been missing out on this scrumptious dessert.
I will post the few pictures that we have of this weekend once we figure out why Chip's iPhone isn't letting us do so (any suggestions?).
Chip, you are an amazing friend, husband, father. You are so loved. ¡Feliz Cumpleaños Amor!
Afterwards we headed over to the Provo Beach Resort for some bowling, and OH MAN, it was hilarious! JD, you crack us up. I have never seen anyone fling a bowling ball so beautifully as you do.
On Saturday, my best friend Laura (this girl deserves her own post- we have been friends since we were 9 or 10 and have never had any sort of disagreement. Yes, its true. That is how amazing she is and what an extraordinary friend she is.) watched Kami while Chip and I went up to Salt Lake for some shopping and dinner. Our friends and us decided to eat at Texas Roadhouse. We called ahead and were told to come in in 30 minutes. Well, we got there exactly when they told us to and yet had to wait another 30-45 minutes to be seated. The manager was made aware of our situation and offered to comp 2 appetizers for the wait. We eventually got a table and received the best service ever. Our server was awesome! After Chip was obliged to ride the saddle as we sang to him and once we had finished our dinner, our server informed us that the manager wanted to comp our party's ENTIRE meal for the hassle we went through. Sweet, huh?! We then watched a movie and headed home.
On Sunday, the 3 of us went to church and were there the entire time. I think that alone was one of the best things about this birthday. We then had dinner with our closest friends and Laura made the best "chocoflan" ever! I can't believe I have been missing out on this scrumptious dessert.
I will post the few pictures that we have of this weekend once we figure out why Chip's iPhone isn't letting us do so (any suggestions?).
Chip, you are an amazing friend, husband, father. You are so loved. ¡Feliz Cumpleaños Amor!
Do It Anyway
I hate that I am a people-pleaser. I really do. I wonder when I will reach my breaking point; or perhaps I already have. If feeling like I should please everyone around me and like it is my responsibility to be the appeaser weren't quite draining enough, on top of it I feel guilty for feeling like I should be ok with these self-fabricated and imposed responsibilities.
For once, I would much enjoy to not have to turn the other cheek; to not have to apologize for something I didn't do, to someone who is upset because they feel entitled to an apology and like it is their prerogative to be easily offended by things that have nothing to do with them. This "loving your enemy" thing is hard...to put it lightly.
I wonder if it is selfish and foolish of me to long for a sincere apology when I have been wronged, for empathy when I make a mistake, or for a simple thank you when I have gone out of my way to show someone how much I care. I am having a hard time finding the energy I need to do all I can to be who I have always been and not care about how others deceivingly portray me to be.
Maybe I just have to Do It Anyway.
For once, I would much enjoy to not have to turn the other cheek; to not have to apologize for something I didn't do, to someone who is upset because they feel entitled to an apology and like it is their prerogative to be easily offended by things that have nothing to do with them. This "loving your enemy" thing is hard...to put it lightly.
I wonder if it is selfish and foolish of me to long for a sincere apology when I have been wronged, for empathy when I make a mistake, or for a simple thank you when I have gone out of my way to show someone how much I care. I am having a hard time finding the energy I need to do all I can to be who I have always been and not care about how others deceivingly portray me to be.
Maybe I just have to Do It Anyway.
Do It Anyway ~ Mother Teresa
People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind,
people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful,
you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank,
people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building,
someone could destroy overnight.
Build anyway.
someone could destroy overnight.
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness,
they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today,
people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have,
and it may never be enough;
Give the best you've got anyway.
and it may never be enough;
Give the best you've got anyway.
You see, in the final analysis
it is between you and God;
it was never between you and them anyway.
it is between you and God;
it was never between you and them anyway.
A Song, A Piece of Paper, and An Answered Prayer
For the past couple of years of offering supplications that don't stray in their context, we have wondered when things were going to change around here. When we found out Kamila was on her way, we were overwhelmed with thoughts such as "How am I going to finish school and care for a baby?" and "Who is going to watch Kami while I am at school and Chip is at work?" and "CAN WE DO THIS?".
At the time, Chip was working part-time and so was I and things just worked. Then a baby was on its way and Chip was offered a full-time position that would provide for our family with what we needed and more than anything, stability. He took the job but nevertheless, it came with sacrifices such as Chip having to work every Sunday, which we obviously were not content about. Kamila came and changed our world, in every good way.
Kamila, you will never know the magnitude of the love we have for you and the impact that you have had on our lives.
We have experienced miracles since your arrival. That is not to say there have not been obstacles and trials, but we have always been given the strength and enlightenment to overcome them.
Today, what seemed like an eternally unanswered prayer was answered. Chip was offered a job with better pay and a schedule that will allow him to be home evenings and weekends. I am thrilled that I will no longer be alone with Kami during sacrament meeting :)
Upon hearing the good news, I took a minute to reflect on how blessed we are and how much I feel the Savior's love for me, for my family. I am not the only one, I am sure, who has had very dark and challenging times in my life. However, I feel like I have been given an innate gift of trusting the Lord to always take care of me and not panic, just trust in Him. I have often wondered why we aren't where we projected to be by now 4 years ago. I still don't know the answer. All I know is that He knows where we want to go, and He will help us get there, in His own time, IF we let him take the wheel.
So, here I am, enveloped in gratitude for witnessing His tender mercies, looking at a white piece of paper with shiny green letters and feeling like the luckiest gal in the world. Anything is possible if you just believe.
P.S.- Ever heard a song and felt like your name should be in the title followed by "Life Story At The Moment"? I have. It may not necessarily resemble my life to a tee, but the gist is right on. I love it! It is my new happy song, ironically.
Helping the kids out of their coats
But wait the babies haven't been born oh
Unpacking the bags and setting up
And planting lilacs and buttercups oh
But in the meantime we've got it hard
Second floor living without a yard
It may be years until the day
My dreams will match up with my pay
Old dirt road,
(mushaboom, mushaboom)
knee deep snow
(mushaboom, mushaboom)
Watching the fire as we grow
(mushaboom, mushaboom)
o-o-o-o-old
I got a man to stick it out
And make a home from a rented house oh
And we'll collect the moments one by one
I guess that's how the future's done oh
How many acres, how much light
Tucked in the woods and out of sight
Talk to the neighbours and tip my cap
On a little road barely on the map
At the time, Chip was working part-time and so was I and things just worked. Then a baby was on its way and Chip was offered a full-time position that would provide for our family with what we needed and more than anything, stability. He took the job but nevertheless, it came with sacrifices such as Chip having to work every Sunday, which we obviously were not content about. Kamila came and changed our world, in every good way.
Kamila, you will never know the magnitude of the love we have for you and the impact that you have had on our lives.
We have experienced miracles since your arrival. That is not to say there have not been obstacles and trials, but we have always been given the strength and enlightenment to overcome them.
Today, what seemed like an eternally unanswered prayer was answered. Chip was offered a job with better pay and a schedule that will allow him to be home evenings and weekends. I am thrilled that I will no longer be alone with Kami during sacrament meeting :)
Upon hearing the good news, I took a minute to reflect on how blessed we are and how much I feel the Savior's love for me, for my family. I am not the only one, I am sure, who has had very dark and challenging times in my life. However, I feel like I have been given an innate gift of trusting the Lord to always take care of me and not panic, just trust in Him. I have often wondered why we aren't where we projected to be by now 4 years ago. I still don't know the answer. All I know is that He knows where we want to go, and He will help us get there, in His own time, IF we let him take the wheel.
So, here I am, enveloped in gratitude for witnessing His tender mercies, looking at a white piece of paper with shiny green letters and feeling like the luckiest gal in the world. Anything is possible if you just believe.
P.S.- Ever heard a song and felt like your name should be in the title followed by "Life Story At The Moment"? I have. It may not necessarily resemble my life to a tee, but the gist is right on. I love it! It is my new happy song, ironically.
Mushaboom by Feist
Helping the kids out of their coats
But wait the babies haven't been born oh
Unpacking the bags and setting up
And planting lilacs and buttercups oh
But in the meantime we've got it hard
Second floor living without a yard
It may be years until the day
My dreams will match up with my pay
Old dirt road,
(mushaboom, mushaboom)
knee deep snow
(mushaboom, mushaboom)
Watching the fire as we grow
(mushaboom, mushaboom)
o-o-o-o-old
I got a man to stick it out
And make a home from a rented house oh
And we'll collect the moments one by one
I guess that's how the future's done oh
How many acres, how much light
Tucked in the woods and out of sight
Talk to the neighbours and tip my cap
On a little road barely on the map
Even when the sky looks gray..
and it is awfully cold and gloomy out, moments can be made out of ordinary instances. I am so grateful for this little person...
and for my best friend, who make everything worthwhile when I see moments like this
There are reasons to be grateful all around. Sometimes we just have to want to see them.
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