Day 136 - Accidental Snapshot, originally uploaded by clarity25.

This is an accidental snapshot that happened while I was adjusting the settings on my camera for today's self-portrait.

Then my camera battery died.

So that was it.

So this will have to do for today. I thought it was rather random and odd moment captured. It's not flattering But It gives you a glimpse into my home environment. That's our livingroom. Eric's trombone resting in the corner next to his shoes. Our sofa, the coffee table, the natural light..etc

Random question of the day:

For an all-expense-paid, one-week vacation anywhere in the world, would you be willing to kill a beautiful butterfly by pulling off it's wings?

What about stepping on a cockroach?

Eric and I were discussing this today...It's from a book of questions. Curious to see what other people's answers are...

Day 136 of 365 days

Day 135 - Fading into Nature, originally uploaded by clarity25.

Eric and I went to a nature preserve near our home and spent the day walking through the forest together.

It was nice to escape all the stresses of modern day life. We left our cellphones at home. We didn't think about bills or our jobs. We simply let go of all of it and just relaxed.

At one point, Eric asked me to close my eyes. He took my hand in his and asked me to just listen, smell, feel. He led me through the forest. I loved feeling his hand, listening to his voice and letting go of all control.

Besides tripping over a few tree trunks, it was really freeing...

I wish we could just run away to the forest and live there like the characters in the show "Lost"

But eventually, we had to go home...

That's a picture of the two of us. Eric on the right holding my hand against his chest and me behind him.

It was a really wonderful day...

Day 135 of 365 days

Day 133 - A trip to the aquarium, originally uploaded by clarity25.

I love aquariums, I haven't been to one in a while.

I took a lot of pictures from my trip that I'll post over the next few days.

My favorite exhibit was the penguins..

Day 133 of 365 days

Day 132 - Too many bills, originally uploaded by clarity25.

We received a new bill from our old German American Express account. We had signed up for a life insurance plan and forgot to cancel that seperately when we closed our former European account. So we were still being charged on a monthly basis for the past 6 months.

A new bill on the pile that will wipe us out..

So frustrating.

They just keep coming....

Rent, Car Insurance, Life Insurance, Student loan payments, Visa, debt..

Sometimes I miss the carefree ignorance of my youth, it was so much easier than.

With all these bills, there's no way I can afford a new laptop

anytime soon...

In fact, Ramen noodles are looking pretty appealing...

Day 132 of 365 days

Day 131 - Car Troubles...already?, originally uploaded by clarity25.

Our new car has started making squealing noises when we go around corners.

We took it to the shop.

I watched with wide concerned eyes while the mechanic leaned down over the open hood examining the engine carfully and muttering "mmmhmmm... mmmmmhmmm" under his breathe.

I crossed my fingers that it wouldn't be expensive or serious engine problem that we couldn't afford to fix. We just bought this car...

"It looks like it just needs a new belt", The mechanic said wiping his hands with a dirty rag and nodding.

"Um..how much is that going to cost exactly to replace?"

"About sixty dollars"

*Phew.*

Our car is back in full health and driving smoothly once again.

Day 131 of 365 days.

Day 130 - Sullen Girl, originally uploaded by clarity25.

"Days like this, I don't know what to do with myself
All day -- and all night
I wander the halls along the walls and under my breath
I say to myself
"I need fuel -- to take flight --"
And there's too much going on..."

I hate days when there is so much to do and yet a feeling of tired sullenness that's overwhelming when you just don't know where to START...

I'm in a bit of a funk today.

and I think this disjointed blurry badly compositioned photograph displays that.

Day 130 of 365 days

Day 129 - Wonderwoman, originally uploaded by clarity25.

Eric and I are introducing to eachother favorite shows from our childhood.

I started by renting a boxed set of a show I remember loving when I was 3 and 4 years old.

Wonderwoman.

Does anyone remember this show?

I only remember bits and pieces because I was so young. My parents would watch this show late at night and allow me to stay up to see it with them. I remember being fascinated with her bullet proof bracelets and Golden Lasso. I wanted to be wonderwoman.

I didn't realize how cheesy the show actually was until now.

But it brings back memories.

What was your favorite show from your youth?

Day 129 of 365 days

Day 128 - To do list, originally uploaded by clarity25.

Today our schedule is pretty full with random errands that Eric jotted down on the side of a paper bag. (he never uses a notepad but whatever is around when he feels inspired to write a list.. this time a paper bag)

Not the most exciting 365 days shot, but it's going to be a hectic day of running around town getting things done. I don't have much time...

Day 128 of 365 days

Day 127 - Death by Candy, originally uploaded by clarity25.

Eric should have known better than to give me this much valentines day candy...(See previous picture )

I overdosed this morning...

I couldn't stop eating piece after piece after piece....

In the middle of my 500th Jawbreaker.. My eyes rolled back into my head.. Then it all faded to black.

This is how Eric found me when he returned home from work.

Yes....I need help......

Day 127 of 365 days

Day 126 - Sugar High!, originally uploaded by clarity25.

It's the day after Valentines Day.

Since we were trapped in the house due to a icestorm yesterday (see yesterday's picture), Eric decided to celebrate the holiday today by bringing home and truckload of 50% and 70% off Valentines day candy for me.

He went a little overboard.

I was thrilled! I felt like a child that robbed the icecream man! In addition to Olives, Sushi and coffee.. I'm a big candy addict. He bought all my favorites. Gobstoppers, Laffy Taffy, Nerds, Runts, Fun Dip, Sweet tarts, Jaw breakers, Russel Stover chocolates, and Gum Balls galore.

"We should always celebrate a day later, it's much cheaper that way...", He commented with a laugh.

I thought becoming an adult would curb my fascination with candy...

It didn't.

I'm in HEAVEN!!

Any other Candy lovers out there? Is there a certain type of candy that you can't resist if it's offered to you?

Eric watched me with amusement. I offered him a piece and he scrunched up his face. "mphm..thanks but no thanks. That's all you"

Than I gave him my Valentines Day present for HIM...

It's too private to elaborate on... but He loved it:)

It's official. Valentines Day will be celebrated on the 15th from this point forward.

Day 126 of 365 days

Day 125 - Happy Valentines Day, originally uploaded by clarity25.

Valentines Day didn't go exactly as planned. We were going to go out to go out to see a movie together and than have SUSHI. We would return home, pop open a bottle of wine...etc

But the weather didn't like that plan.

Eric could barely get out of the parkinglot after work. His car was entirely iced over. He couldn't even get into the drivers side. Once he pryed the door open, he called me up shivering on his cellphone..

Then he realized that he had to chip more ice off the windshield in order to drive

But he couldn't get out of the car. "I can't get out! I'm trapped", His voice crackling over the cellphone, which was also beeping because the battery was dying.

"Oh no!, bang on the window.. maybe a passerby will hear you!"

Eventually some people helped him pry the door open again so he could escape and chip the ice off the windshield. Snow and ice were flying with blizzard like winds. The electricity was out in certain areas, so there were no street lights. Cars were swirving all over the road. I nearly slipped across the porch when I ran to greet him (he arrived an hour later than usual) I hugged him so tightly, I was just glad he made it home alive.

So we were iced in. No movie, dinner or fancy wine. Just the two of us and a plate of spaghetti.

"So what are we going to do tonight? We can't even go out to rent a movie"

"Well...we have the portable heater.. and we have the boxset you borrowed from the library. (Gilmore girls season 4)"

"But you HATE that show"

"Well..if you let me rest my head on your lap... "

So that's what we did. We turned up our heater, curled up together on the sofa. He rested his head on my lap while I ran my fingers through his hair and we spent Valentines Day watching Gilmore Girls episodes together...

Before Eric drifted off to sleep, He whispered "Happy Valentines day..."

simple. But that's what the day is about...It's love:)

How was your Valentines Day?

Day 125 of 365 days

Day 124 - Going out, originally uploaded by clarity25.

Tonight Eric and I are going out to celebrate

He got a promotion at work!

It's the potential promotion I had mentioned last month. It's happening now. He has to undergo training next week.

We're thrilled!

I feel like finally everything is falling into place. It took a while to happen, but now it finally is. A new car, better work hours and a raise! When I look at where we were only 3 months ago, I can see how far we've come.

It's such a relief.

This isn't Eric's dream job, but this promotion will put a good title under his belt and make it easier to find that "dream job" in the future. I feel like we're finally on the right track.

Alright we're heading out...

Day 124 of 365 days

Day 123 - Computer problems, originally uploaded by clarity25.

Our cat, Michael knocked over a glass of water and it spilled all over my laptop...

For 5 days I've been having problems with my computer. It wont start, when it does.. It wont log onto my wireless network and then automatically just shuts off after 10 minutes.

It's frustrating, I feel so disconnected. Unable to check my E-mail, surf the web or upload any pics into Flickr.

This afternoon I managed to get my computer to work again.

But for how long?

I went ahead and uploaded my pictures from the last few days. So I'm up to date with my 365 days project. You can click back to view them.

But it looks like I'm going to have to start saving up for a new laptop..

This one (named Charlie) has been with me for nearly 3 years.

So If I disappear again, it's due to technical difficulties.

But I'm working on it.

I hope everyone is having a good week.

Day 123 of 365 days

Day 122 - On the road!, originally uploaded by clarity25.

Okay, It's official!! Our car is on the road!

The title arrived, we went to the DMV and got the plates.

We also bought some new tires.

All we have left is the inspection, we have to set up an appointment within the next 10 days.

We have wheels!! Tonight we're going to celebrate!

It's about time!

Day 122 of 365 days

That's Eric at the wheel and me adjusting the radio station...

Day 121 - The Usual Suspects, originally uploaded by clarity25.

There's me and Eric

The obligatory feet shot. I'm wearing my oldest (and most comfortable) pair of adidas sneakers. They've actually formed a weird shape and mold over the years... I still love them. I bought so many new ones, but I always end up slipping these on.

Those are Eric's favorite shoes.

They're much cooler looking, I might add..

Day 121 of 365 days

Day 120 - Nightmares, originally uploaded by clarity25.

I had the worst nightmare last night.

It was so horrible, I didn't even want to move when I first woke up. It took an hour to shake the images from my mind and feel relaxed again. I hate nightmares like that...

Random Question:

Would you be willing to have horrible nightmares every night for a year if you would be rewarded with extraordinary wealth?

Day 120 of 365 days

Day 119 - first kiss, originally uploaded by clarity25.

Tonight Eric and I were talking about our first kisses.

"Mine was in Second grade", I told him

"What?! You little hussy!"

"No it wasn't like that. It was just a peck. He lived 3 houses down and we did it in the backyard when our parents weren't looking. I had my eyes closed so tightly. Then he ran away and didn't talk to me for a week."

"So it didn't go well?"

"Not exactly...But we "went steady" until 6th grade. My first REAL kiss was at age 15"

"same here"

I remember the anticipation of a first kiss. Talking about it with friends, reading articles about it out loud from our Sassy magazines during sleepover parties, Speculating who would be the first to try "French Kissing" and voicing our concerns over what to do if the guy drools or has bad breath...

I remember those awkward moments after a first date in the early teen years. When you're kind of shifting from foot to foot, avoiding eachother's eyes and saying "So-o-o-o.. I had fun" "Yeah me too..." "we should do it again..." "Definitely" Leaning towards the person while he leans towards you, then losing nerve and backing up..then leaning towards him...Then both laughing from nervous anticipation.

It feels like so long ago.

When was your first kiss?


Day 119 of 365 days

Day 118 - Blending in, originally uploaded by clarity25.

I always thought I was a Generation X'er, but I don't make the cut off date.

Eric does.

I'm just a part of that unknown Generation that comes after. Do we even have a name yet?

****

If 100 people your age were chosen at random, how many do you think you'd find leading a more satisfying life than yours?

Day 118 of 365 days

Day 117 - hiding, originally uploaded by clarity25.

This is not just a photograph of my bed. I am in the shot. I'm just hiding with the blanket pulled over my head. I'm not feeling very photogenic this morning.

I was up late partying with Eric (until 5:30 A.M.) and now I'm paying for it...

I also woke up on the right side of the bed. I nearly rolled over the edge. It was very disorienting.

Then I had a flashback of last night.

We were in eachother's arms when I said: "Honey, How come I always sleep on the left side of the bed? For nearly 5 years I've been sleeping on the left side and you've been sleeping on the right. Why is that?!"

Eric was thoughtful "Hmm... I don't know. Do you want to switch sides?"

"I think it's time to take the plunge."

"Okay, Whatever you say. lets do it."

So we switched sides.

It felt strange. We ended up on two separate sides of the bed hugging our pillows instead of eachother. Apparently we had a routine that just worked for us. The right side felt...wrong.

I think I'll switch back to the left side tonight.

Random Question: Do you establish routines in your life? For example: Do you usually sleep in the same place or side on your bed? eat meals at the same time?

Now if we can only go to bed at a decent hour like mature adults..we'll be set. My head is pounding.

Day 117 of 365 days

Day 116 - our wedding bands, originally uploaded by clarity25.

We don't have traditional wedding bands or a traditional love story.

In fact, If I put too much worth on "signs" and "bad omens"... our marriage would have been doomed from the first day.

Eric lost his wedding band on the very first day of our honeymoon. He was at the beach, it slipped off while he was swimming and it was lost in the ocean. He sat there searching the sea floor while waves crashed over him. He was distraught and utterly crushed.

I told him it doesn't matter. Our relationship doesn't revolve around the wedding band.

I bought him a new one. This one matched mine with identical sanskrit writing.

My wedding ring and band were stolen the next year when I was required to take them off in order to visit someone in prison. (A traumatic memory I wish I could forget...) When I returned it was gone from the locker. I was upset because that was the ring he proposed to me with.

But he bought me two more silver bands. Each one has a unique story and experience behind it. Each time he presented it to me on one knee

But the truth is...it's just symbol.

It could be a plastic ring from a crackerjack box for all we care.

Chances are something will happen to our current rings and we'll have to replace them as well but it wont change what we have together. I think our society puts too much focus on the wedding rings (the worth, the carat, the diamond, the cut) and less on what they actually represent. In my humble opinion...

Day 116 of 365 days

Day 115 - Reading the Newspaper, originally uploaded by clarity25.

One of our favorite activities is reading the Newspaper together after work. Eric always brings home either a New York Times or Newsday.

We sit across from eachother with coffee and separate the paper into parts. We read articles out loud to one another and provide personal commentary on current events. I love when Eric reads it with his news reporter voice. He has a slight German mixed with british accent, every word accented clearly.

We always end up in a heated discussion about this or that, usually laughing at the end.

I can't imagine doing this with anyone else. I'm lucky that I married my bestfriend...

Day 115 of 365 days

Day 114 - At the art table, originally uploaded by clarity25.

Now that my health is back to 100%, I'm busy at the art table again working on some portrait jobs.

I'm in the middle of drawing a charcoal portrait of a cute young couple..

The previous owner of the car we purchased still hasn't received her new title in the mail to give to us. This waiting is driving me crazy. We bought this new car last month and it's still not on the road. This whole process is taking forever and a day. It's hard to get to the post office to send out my completed portrait jobs to clients without transportation. It's a 2 and a half mile walk in the bitter cold which I've been putting off. It's impossible to get a ride when all my friends are at work during post office opening hours. Very frustrating. Eric has been carpooling with co-workers to get to work.

Having a car on the road again will make life much easier.

But in the meantime, I'm working

and trapped in the house.

*fingers crossed that this title arrives soon*

Day 114 of 365 days

Day 113 - My favorite old pair of jeans, originally uploaded by clarity25.

I'm trying to shoot down two birds with one stone with this photograph. The letter J (Take a Class with Dave) and today's self-portrait (365 days).

Here are my oldest pair of jeans. They date back to 1997. For someone that travels as much as I do, It's amazing I've managed to hold on to them. A lot of my clothing has gotten tossed or donated to Goodwill in the moving process. This pair I didn't want to let go of. They are hiphugging vintage style bell-bottoms. The button broke a 4 weeks ago so I had to hold it together with my fingers for the shot. The bottom is torn to threads from being too long and dragging on the ground. Now they're just painting jeans.

This pair of jeans has traveled with me to Florida, Georgia, Virginia, Las Vegas, New Mexico, Arizona,Germany, France, and Holland. If it could speak it would have quite a story to tell. I don't even know what brand it is, because the label fell off too.

I just know that I love them and I probably wont let them go. Too many memories..

Do you also have an old piece of clothing that you wont let go of?

Day 113 (yes, I'm finally all caught up and recovered from my sickness) of 365 Days

J is for Jeans - take a class with Dave

Day 112 - R.I.P, originally uploaded by clarity25.

This is a lot less morbid than it looks. Don't worry. No I'm not dying. In fact, I feel a lot better today. I made myself look more withered in photoshop. I was experimenting with different techniques. I just uploaded the other images I've taken over the past few days.

Being so sick this week really made me appreciate my health.. We tend to take it for granted until something happens.

I was contemplating my life today and reflecting on things. It started when I pulled out an old book I've had since 1997 and opened to a random page. It had me thinking and it's the inspiration for this picture..., so I thought I'd share the chapter.

Chapter 21 "Imagine your own Funeral"

"This strategy is a little scary for some people but universally effective at reminding us what's most important in our lives.

When we look back on our lives, how many of us are going to be pleased at how uptight we were? Almost universally, when people look back on their lives while on their deathbed, they wish that their priorities had been quite different. They wish they had spent more time with the people and activities that they truly loved and less time worrying about aspects of life that, upon deeper examination, really don't matter all that much. Imagining yourself at your own funeral allows you to look back at your life while you still have the chance to make some important changes.

While it can be a little scary or painful, it's a good idea to consider you're own death and, in the process, your life. Doing this will remind you of the kind of person you want to be and the priorities that are most important to you.

If you're at all like me, you'll probaby get a wake up call that can be an excellent source of change"

-Richard Carlson PHD

The thought gave me goosebumps. I realize that there is a lot I need to change.. starting now.

While I'm alive.

Day 112 of 365 days

Day 111 - Grocery shopping, originally uploaded by clarity25.

I'm still feeling under the weather and not particularly inspired today

It's going to be another "Sock drawer" day. So here's a picture of me in the Super Market Grocery shopping. The seventies elevator music playing on the overhead speakers.. the long endless aisles of food... the tired cashiers asking "Do you have a discount membership card? *sigh* Would you LIKE a discount membership card? *sigh* Do you have ID for this bottle of wine?"

Another activity I do on a regular basis that is rarely captured on film because.... it's so boring.

But I included notes. (you have to click on the image to reach the Flickr page to see them)

I'll post a more interesting self-portrait when I'm feeling better. For now, this will have to do.

Day 111 of 365 days

Day 110 - Boxsets were created for sick days, originally uploaded by clarity25.

Still sick

Scanning the DVD shelf for old boxsets to watch while I lay on the sofa drinking Tea.

We ended up renting a random show called "How I met your mother"

It's Monday, Eric's day off. We lounged together watching most of Season 1 together. At first I didn't like it. (I can't stand laugh tracks) but it grew on me. We ended up cracking up together at the "pineapple episode". It reminded me of the show "Friends"

I'm looking for a new boxset to watch, I missed a lot of American shows while I was in Germany.

Besides the obvious ones (Desperate housewives and Greys Anatomy - saw those a few months ago during another sick week) any suggestions?

Day 110 of 365 days