In preparation for my heritage scrapbooking class this spring, I decided to take some pictures of where I grew up in my hometown. I stopped at my elementary schools and high school, along with the two houses I lived in while growing up. So, this is a bit of a Friday Flashback...
It was odd to see the very first house I lived in, so different from what I remember...so small...so shabby. It is definitely in need of repairs now. It's just that the house seemed so much bigger when I lived in it.
I don't remember what color the house was, but I know it wasn't white with teal trim. There's a picture taken long ago of me and my younger brother sitting on the steps in a couple of Hawaiian print outfits that were specially made for us. The outfits were hideous!
Some things are just better left in the past, such as bad fashion, don't you agree??? ;)
The high school, which seemed uglier than usual...
The marquee that my senior class donated to the school as our class gift was missing. I thought I saw it a few years ago, but it wasn't present when I stopped by today. I'm wondering if it was damaged by vandalism sometime in the last couple of years. I know that it was an issue before.
One of the elementary schools I attended...
It's really different from when I attended it years ago. However, the time capsule that we buried under the school sign might still be there. I can't remember when it was supposed to be opened. Maybe 2000? Maybe 2010?
And finally, while I was waiting in the car for my sister-in-law and niece, I decided to try my hand at a little product photography... This was the only one that produced the results I wanted. Just imagine that it's supposed to be a close-up in a car brochure.
Ahhhh...practice, practice, practice--no matter what the subject, right?
Enough blogging for now. Have a great weekend!
...and no shopping in sight! Although I was out today, I didn't visit any of the after-Christmas sales. Instead, Jen and I got together for breakfast--banana chocolate chip pancakes (Jen's personal favorite--not!) and stuffed French toast--then took in a movie, P.S. I Love You. It was definitely a chick-flick movie, but still great and funny. We took a few self-portraits in the theater since there wasn't anyone sitting behind us. Besides, how often do Jen and I get together???
Jen and I also had a little Christmas celebration over breakfast. We both got a little bit of HOPE for gifts...
Jen and I both got each other gifts that included the word "HOPE"--a CD called Hope by pianist Jim Brickman and a tin with "hope." (Although Jen pointed out that the can had no hope in it...) It's a little joke between us to find anything with the word "Hope" on it. I can't even remember how the joke got started, but it's a fun challenge. I think the people in the booth next to us probably thought we were a little crazy when we started laughing hysterically.
Jen also loved the Office Space Kit gift that I picked up. She's a fan of the movie (it took 3 tries) and loves to quote lines ("Did you get that memo?") from it, so I HAD to get the kit for her...
I also had a little visit with Mike. It's been AGES since we saw each other--and no, we're not sure the last time we actually got together...maybe 4-5 years ago? He indulged me in one photo, since I don't have a single photo of us together, even though we've been friends for years...
It was great to see both of you! Thanks for the fun and laughs!
I saw these articles on Yahoo about break-ups--found them pretty interesting... Of course, I could have used these articles several months ago!
5 Questions to Ask Before Giving 'Em the Boot
5 Break-Up Signs
5 Ways to Get Over a Break-Up Fast
It's been a busy week, as Christmas is nearing. I've caught up with various friends and also done a little celebrating. On Saturday night, I did a couple of new things: checking out the Christmas lights at The Grotto and along Peacock Lane. We also managed to squeeze in pizza at BJ's and a trip to the mall, which was hopping despite the late hour (10:30 pm on a Saturday night)!
It was a night loaded with laughs. I don't think all of us have laughed quite that hard in a long time. We were all being a little silly, and Kathy and I got into "flash wars," where we were taking pictures in the car. Luckily, our driver (Victor) wasn't blinded, but everyone else was, including the two photographers!
At The Grotto, where everyone was supposed to be quiet and meditative...ha! Our group was lucky it wasn't kicked out! 
Doesn't this say "dorkness" instead of "darkness"?!??!
On the way to Peacock Lane...which is when the "flash wars" ensued...
The infamous Peacock Lane had a house with a ferris wheel AND the leg lamp from A Christmas Story (look in the 2nd floor window)...
Time for a little food at BJ's!
And a quick trip to the mall for last minute shopping--which none of us really needed to do, but it was fun being there watching all the crazy people who were buying...
Hope you are enjoying the last few days until Christmas!
Today would be a great day for the Cookie Monster! Suz, Kathy, and I got together and had a cookie making swap that lasted most of today. Needless to say, all three of us have a TON of cookies at each of our houses. Here's the whole story in pictures... 
I know I'm pooped from all the activity, but it was loads of fun! And the cookies are pretty yummy, too! Thank you, Kathy & Victor, for letting us take over your kitchen for the afternoon!
It was odd to see the very first house I lived in, so different from what I remember...so small...so shabby. It is definitely in need of repairs now. It's just that the house seemed so much bigger when I lived in it.
And finally, while I was waiting in the car for my sister-in-law and niece, I decided to try my hand at a little product photography... This was the only one that produced the results I wanted. Just imagine that it's supposed to be a close-up in a car brochure.
