courtney jade’s blog

January… you are finally here, and you have come too soon.

I took the entire week after Christmas off of work to move into our new home and get all settled in… and get a lot of other things done…. well, to say the least, we are still cleaning/unpacking, and getting settled in. It will probably take a while, but I’m not going to lie, I spent much of the week catching up on some good old R&R! I know, I know, I am guilty of being a lazy daisy this past week… I had so many things planned that I wanted/needed to get done, and I didn’t even try to start on my list.

I think I just needed a week to relax, unwind, soak in all of the newness of our home, and sleep. I have never had such a crazy year as I did last year, and I am looking forward to a very busy and successful 2011 as well! I have a LOT to get done in the means of new pricing/packages, etc. so I can release all of that for all of my fabulous clients! Thanks in advance for your patience, I’m going to try and get all of that wrapped up this coming week to release to everyone!

Also, if you are waiting on the surprise in the mail from me, hopefully that will be ready to go in another week or so as well.

It’s a LOT getting unpacked and settled in, especially when you have an OCD clean freak of a boyfriend <3 (I mean that with all of the dust-free, chemically cleaned, bleached and spotless love in my heart) He has really been amazing with this whole move. In fact, right now he is on his hands and knees scrubbing the bathroom floors, and showers. He takes over the dirty work, and I am SO thankful for him. Seriously.

Anyways, since I love lists, and can’t seem to get away from them… ever. (I think it’s an addiction.. along with my addictions to horizontal stripes, Tillamook and Haggen Daaz ice creams, and hoodies)

Here are some of the awesome moments and memories that 2010 has left me with:

♥  My one year anniversary as a Marketing Associate, with a new title coming soon

♥ More amazing clients and success than I ever could have imagined for this year.

♥ Amazing clients who have turned into great friends.

♥ Another year with my health

♥ Trying new foods, and LIKING them… including a cucumber roll! (Thanks Vishnu)

♥ Making lots of new photo friends, and sharing all sorts of experiences with them. Seriously thankful for them.

♥ Purchasing our very first home with the boy whom I adore more than anyone in this world.

♥ A completely booked summer/autumn season for my photo business

♥ An AMAZING 25th birthday party at the beach with great friends! Seriously the best birthday in a long time… I’m thinking this will need to be a tradition.

♥ Traveling to Costa Rica, my first out of the country trip. Seriously an AWESOME experience. Really gives me the travel bug… there are so many places to explore in this world, I have an entire other list of places I would love to go (see, there I go with the lists again!) If you are planning a destination wedding in 2011 or 2012, let me know! I have some great all-inclusive packages!

♥ New music. I love new music.

♥ Floating the river for the very first time with some very awesome friends.

♥ Making good friends with people at work. I love my work girls!!!

♥ Seeing the Lion King on Broadway with my mom, front row center!!!

♥ Lots of trips to delicious restaurants.

♥ Attending my first Blazer game! Thanks Brooklyn

Things I am looking forward to for 2011

♥ Making our house into our home sweet home

♥ New business approach, organization and pricing structure.

♥ Advancing in my marketing/design career

♥ Valentine’s Day (I have a surprise planned for my lover! Eeee!!) Also, it’s my favorite holiday!

♥ Celebrating my 7 year anniversary with Mark. Wow. Now that is crazy.

♥ Creating my very own office space. I am so excited about this blank slate… now what to do with it…

♥ More networking, friend making, and business learning

♥ Hopefully a trip or two out of the state, possibly out of the country.

♥ Paying off my credit card.

♥ Eating new things, with new friends and old.

♥ Taking more photos!!!

I’m sure there are more, but my washer just made that pretty ding-a-ling noise that it makes, meaning I need to switch it to the dryer now. And I’m hungry! Lol.

Wishing you all a very happy new year, and excitement for the future! <3

So, it’s true… I’m turning 25 next month. In just a couple of weeks actually…
That’s a whole quarter of a century!!!  I can hardly believe it, and I definitely feel it… but wow.

To celebrate, I’ve rented a beach house over in Lincoln City, OR and invited all of my friends to come hang out with me! I’m hoping that everyone can make it out, and that it’s the best birthday EVER!!!

My boyfriend wanted a birthday list, and as I get older, it seems to get harder and harder to think of things that I’d like as a gift. Sure, there are a million things I would love, but the few things out of my grasp are what first come to mind. Those, however, are much too expensive for a birthday gift. So I am left stuck, trying to think of and find things that I would love to have, but probably wouldn’t just buy myself. (Mark has turned me into somewhat of a minimalist! I know, CRAZY!)

It’s actually turned out pretty fun! I forget sometimes how fun it is to make a list of things I’d like, a wish list!

Click on the pics to link to the item (for most things)

Pretty jewelry

A wrapping station for my Photo Biz

Pretty flowers

Film for my Polaroid cameras

Kurt Halsey 2010 calander of course!!! Featuring Mark and my portrait for July…
Actually I would REALLY love one of the large prints of this piece…

Also, this:

A cute teapot…

These DVDs…

The complete Twilight series hardcover book collection

Just about any cupcake book… (I already have Martha’s, the 500 cupcakes book, and Hello, Cupcake!)

These adorable Paul Frank headphones

Pretty frames – black and silver, all shapes/sizes.

One of these adorable Shabby Abby Camera straps

I should really get one of these, if not as a present from someone, as a present to myself! LOL I get lost EVERYWHERE….

A couple of each of these bad boys…

a Gocco printer kit…

Oh, and of course, this would be nice heeheehee

Gift Cards to these places:

A firepit

This awesome North Face hoodie! (Med.)

New perfume

Yes, all of the above would be very nice!! I’m sure if I kept thinking, I might be able to come up with a few more things… but really, I’d just like to have a really awesome day with some of my favorite people.

<3

This year my family and I have all decided to just not worry about gifts. Times are rough enough as it is, and no one needs the extra stress of buying presents for eachother with money they don’t have. I think it’s better actually. While I love presents (who doesn’t?!), it’s really nice just to be able to enjoy the season without the worry and stress of what to get for who, and who’s getting what, and trying to shop in the over-crowded stores, etc.

I really have all that I truly want. A boy who adores me, a family who loves me, a puppy who’s attached to my hip, the best friends ever, a career-oriented job where I get to use my skills and my degree, a nice apartment, car, cell phone, and recently upgraded equipment for my photography business…. things are really falling into place for me, and it’s more than I can ask for.

With all of that said, I can’t help but make a wish list, just for fun Partially so that I am affirming these by writing them down, and partially to look back in years to come and see what was on my “wish list”. If we were exchanging gifts this year, these are some things that would be on mine…

This camera I’ve been drooling over for about a year now… and of course lots and lots and LOTS of film for it!!!

The new Kurt Halsey 2010 calander of course!!! Featuring Mark and my portrait for July…

Also, these Kurt Halsey items…

A cute teapot…

These DVDs…

The complete Twilight series hardcover book collection

This adorable book I’ve been drooling over…

As well as just about any other cupcake book… (I already have Martha’s (thanks dad!!) and the 500 cupcakes book)

These adorable Paul Frank headphones

a subscription to Lynda.com so I can keep teaching myself to be even more awesome

Pretty frames – black and silver, all shapes/sizes.

A cute apron like this one…

One of these adorable Shabby Abby Camera straps (Thanks Khrisma, i’m hooked!)

A Shootsac like this one…

And of course, a HipSlip also!

I should really get one of these, if not as a present from someone, as a present to myself! LOL I get lost EVERYWHERE….

A couple of each of these bad boys…

a Gocco printer kit…

Oh, and of course, this would be nice heeheehee

that’s all i can come up with for now, i’m SUPER tired!!! I just finished my last photos for the year (business wise) and I feel like I’ve been fighting off something before it attacks me… super tired lately, just can’t get enough sleep! I got my new camera in the mail, so be on the lookout for an update about that!!!

For now, i’m off to sleep with my boys <3

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!!!

I know that this post is a bit late, as Thanksgiving was last week, but it’s never too late to list the things you’re thankful for, so here I go!

I find myself extremely well off at this time in my life. This year has been a complete roller coaster for me.

Of course it goes without saying how thankful I am to have such an amazing boyfriend, family, and friends. They all mean the world to me, and I’m so glad that we get to share our stories in this book of life. Without them, life wouldn’t have much meaning to me. They are really the biggest pieces in my puzzle. Also, my little puppy-son Quincey. As he sits here scratching my arm, begging me for attention, I think back to when he was so so tiny. We got him 2 years ago, the day before Christmas eve. He has become such a huge part of me, and is always there to love me unconditionally. A dog’s love is truly remarkable. I am thankful for all of them.

In the beginning of the year, I was working a job I hated, and ultimately quit. I felt frustrated, angry, and just sad in general. After getting out of school 2 years ago, I was still unable to land a good design job. i was forced to go back to the restaurant industry. I know, I know, it isn’t horrible, however it was one of those chapters in my life that while I was happy I had it to fall back on, I thought I wouldn’t have to re-open it. I did that for a while, but things started to slow down and it was hard to get hours. Drama, drama, drama… as luck would have it, my friend recommended me for a job, and I emailed in to apply. A week and another interview later, I got the job!!! Marketing Assistant at a very fast-growing mortgage company! It may not sound exciting, but it was honestly a dream come true, and has turned out to be a completely awesome job. I am so thankful for my job, especially in this economy, and especially since I get to utilize my creative skills (and degree!).

a little over a year ago, Mark and I moved from our tiny one bedroom apartment into a spacious 2 bed, 2 bath apartment. I am thankful for all of the extra space that we enjoy.

I was able to recently upgrade my computer so that I can work faster and more effieciently on my photos. I am thankful for my new computer (and the boyfriend who built it).

My photo business has really grown this year. I am thankful for all of the new clients, and compliments I receive. I am thankful for being able to capture the beauty and love within people.

Gas prices have gone down, my pocketbook is thankful for that.

I am thankful for all of the new people and friends who have come into my life this past year. I thrive on new relationships!

I am thankful for my space heater. I hate being cold.

I am so thankful that I can afford to pay my bills, and that even though I may not have much left over, at least I can live.

I am thankful for music.

I am thankful for delicious foods. And drinks.

I am thankful for the sun, and the blue sky, and clouds. (cumulonimbus clouds especially!)

I am thankful for technology. Without it, so much would not be possible, including my art.

I am thankful for the mentors in my life, you have taught me so much, and most of you don’t even know it!

There are so many more things that I could list, but I don’t want this post to be too lengthy. It’s been a while since I’ve done a ‘personal post’, so this was pretty fun. I’ll do another one with photos soon, but for now since it feels weird to post without a photo, here’s one from our most recent trip to Reno of mark’s cousins

<3

well, autumn is officially here! The smells are starting to saturate the air as the season comes into full swing. Autumn is my favorite time of year!!! Especially here in Oregon. I’ve never seen more beauty in the change of seasons anywhere else. Granted, I’ve only lived here and Hawaii, and Hawaii has like 2 seasons… rainy/stormy/way-too-humid, and beautiful sunny and warm. The change of the seasons was something I really missed during my time there. I love the cool, crisp fall air. I live for dressing in layers, long sleeves, boots, hoodies, and cute vests.

That being said, this is really my most exciting autumn thus far in life. I could say that because I love to live for the day, but I am also saying that because finally in life, I have some stability. There is so much chaos and excitement around this time of year, that it feels good to finally be on a regular schedule with work, and feel like i’m finally keeping my head above water. Years in the past, I’ve either been caught up in school and multiple jobs, working the crazy retail job, or busy being a slave to the hungry at restaurants. I’ve had to work crazy hours, weekends, late nights, and all with very random schedules that changed weekly. I’ve missed out on family gatherings, fun seasonal events, and most of all having the luxury of days off. Don’t get me wrong, those times in my life, and those jobs were all very fun. I look back and miss my co-workers, the hustle and bustle of it all, and being in the prime of “holiday”. But those times are over, and I can breathe a HUGE sigh of relief.

Last year about this time, I was in the midst of being laid off from a job I truly loved. It was really hard, especially knowing I was to face the holiday season possibly jobless, and most definitely broke. But last holiday season turned out to be one of my favorites. I decided not to buy gifts for anyone except my parents, sisters, and mark. I couldn’t afford to, and while I get great joy out of giving, there was a silent bit of relief… all of that shopping gets crazy stressful!!! I made the best of it, but I still missed out on a lot of the holiday events I love so much.

This year, will be amazing. I have a full time job that I love, and excel at. My photography is doing extremely well, and I have many new and exciting things in store for my brand (so keep your eyes peeled, and get excited!!!). Mark and I FINALLY have the same days off (which has been SO wonderful, and I feel has really strengthened our relationship), and my schedule is totally and completely regular. No more working on holidays, infact now I’ll even be paid to NOT work them! (Seriously a perk I completely saturate myself with happiness over)

This year, I am embracing the season like never before. I am sure to be super busy shooting and editing photos (as my fall schedule is about half booked already!), but I will have time to do all of the fun holiday festivities that I love so much, and I’ll be able to enjoy them with Mark. Since he’s moved here, we haven’t really had any sort of “regular schedule” that allowed us to spend time planning things, and embracing this beautiful city we live in, and all it has to offer. Sure, we squeezed things in where we could, and had a great time, but there are SO many things I love doing during the holidays, and knowing we’ll be able to PLAN and actually DO these things together gives me so much happiness, I can hardly explain it! (Obviously, I keep talking myself in circles….)

So I’ve decided to share with you a few of my favorite things about this time of year, and why I love it so much. Here goes!

the smell of the air
the beauty of the changing leaves
everything pumpkin
especially pumpkin lattes
Scarfs & hats & boots & vests
candy corn
being around family & loved ones
celebrating thanksgiving
christmas music!!!
going to watch Grant’s Acapella choir at the grotto’s festival of lights (my old HS choir)
zoo lights
pumpkin patch & carving
shopping & seeing all of the holiday displays
ice skating
fires
caroling with friends
christmas eve & day with my family
decorating a christmas tree
buying & giving presents
mittens
peacock lane
Laurelhurst park, late October

there is so much more, but this post is getting a little rambly, so I’ll leave you with some fun photos from years past

my first pumpkin spice latte of the season

fall leaf marks

pumpkin patch fun

The apple festival

zoo lights & christmas fun

and yummy treats of the season

sorry about the poor quality of some photos, these are from the past couple years

I hope you are all looking forward to this season as much as i am!!! What’s your favorite part of this time of year? What do you look forward to?

<3