welcome

Today marks one week since Bernadette the bernedoodle joined our family. She’s taught me so much already, as well as affirmed some things I already knew about myself. Like the fact that I’m impatient. Or that I can be a wee bit obsessive and controlling. And that I hate cleaning. 

So, what I’ve learned in 7 days about puppies:

Alexxa is one of the ladies that inspired the name of this blog. We met when we worked at the same nonprofit and she sat in the green chair a million times. I knew even when I left my job that she would be a lifelong friend. She will always be someone I go to for advice and perspective, whether she likes it or not.

So I’ve been lying through my teeth to my husband for the past few months. I lost count after lie #103 and that was at least two months ago.

They were good lies though! Worthy ones. Because I bought him a puppy.

Some of you know that I attended a photography retreat this summer. I had to to a shoot to prepare and shared it in July. The retreat was with renowned photographers Kirsten Lewis and Jenna Shouldice. They both do extremely moment-oriented photography, offering “Day In The Life” sessions to their clients. It means what it says: they follow families for a day (sometimes more) to document their lives. There is no posing or directing or “lighting scenarios.” And the photos they produce are stunning. It isn’t your typical go-sit-under-that-tree-and-smile-at-me kind of work. 

Tomorrow is my fourth wedding anniversary. When I think about all of our experiences: trips, moves, jobs, fights, etc., I feel like we’ve been married for ten years. And then I look at photos from that day and it feels like it was only a month ago.

We’re not going to be together this year as I am spending this week in Pennsylvania, but I’m thinking about him lots and feeling very grateful for our four years together. Even from afar, I know some things about anniversaries:

If there is one thing I feel like I might be an expert in, it’s binge-watching TV shows. I’ve been doing it since before online streaming existed. Hello? Box sets? My family and I used to watch five episodes a day every time a new season of 24 came out on DVD. During those weeks we would yell, “Do it—NOW!” when we needed someone to pass the salt or “We’re running out of time!” when someone else was doing the dishes. Oh Jack Bauer how I miss you.

Anyway, it’s an art really, and there are some basic things you should know: