It's Officially Over & Begun

My photo break is officially over. During my "time off" I planned on finishing a book that I've been writing & working on for over a year, however, that familiar self doubt started to creep in and I often found myself looking for other things (blogging - 'quick fix' for my inner writing bug) instead of being as diligent as I had hoped.

Now track season has officially begun...picture time! I love taking pictures almost as much as writing, but with the amount of shots I have to take (all of the boy sprinters) I sometimes find myself getting a little overwhelmed, (going through the 300+ photo's weekly, deleting, editing, downloading & emailing.) Why can't I just be independently wealthy so I can spend ALL my time writing & taking pictures? Sigh...work tends to get in the way of my true passions. Don't get me wrong, I'm VERY thankful to have a job & especially with two AMAZINGLY incredible bosses who go out of their way to thank me daily (I mean really, who gets thanked as they leave everyday) but work is still work right? Enough about me...blah blah blah...I can go on forever sometimes!

Welcome to track season...and...for my fashion friends (I don't want you to be too bored) check out the spikes (running shoes) most of the boys design their own online at Nike iD.com.

my son Elijah (left) 10th grader running Varsity-woo hoo!
Coming from behind on the outside-4x100 Meter Relay



intense race!

We won our heat!

4x200 Meter Relay **we won again**




some of the hurdlers

love capturing the intensity on their faces!


Congratulating the little sophomore on running so well!

We're off to a great start, especially considering we haven't had a track to practice on yet (they've been putting in a new all weather track & we don't know when their going to be done.) Makes it a little tough on the boys & coaches. Luckily they were pleasantly surprised!

I'm Still Here

I've been really busy and having so much fun. I haven't blogged in a while but yes, I'm still here. My parents are in town...YAY! I didn't want my blogging friends to think I disappeared. I'll be posting some pics of our adventures...because you know how I like to be on the go.

Short post because I'm heading out to run some more errands with my mom...Stay Tuned!

400th Post-WOW

WOW...I can't believe I've blogged 400 posts! Who would have thought I actually have that much to say? I guess in retrospect, you can say that I've used it as a sort of a tamed down diary.

What I've learned over the past 399 posts is that I've grown as a person. I used to worry about how the things I'd write would be perceived by those who know me (Will they think I'm weird for writing that? Does that sound stupid? Will this offend someone? Oh yes, the list of thoughts were endless).

In the past, I put a wall around myself, only trusting a few chosen people to see my true, overly sensitive, goofy, kooky, sarcastic, crazy & joking side. I never allowed outsiders to get close enough to see my vulnerable side...always afraid of being hurt. It was safer to put on a tough, don't come too close, exterior.

But through blogging, I've gained a better sense of me. I've shared my heartache, laughter, worry & shame with the world. Over the past 399 posts I've learned that opening myself up to people, allows me to also help others who may be going through similar situations.

So what I'm trying to say is, thanks to all of you for liking me, following me, leaving comments & most of all, sharing ALL of my happy, sad, fearful, sometimes ridiculous life moments!

Here's some links to the most life changing, fun & inspiring moments of my 400 posts!

My Very First Post (1/26/08)
Can You Make a Difference in a Day?

Inspirational/Uplifting Posts
Push Ahead Poem
This Will Give You Chills
I Had a Really Cool Experience
My Late Brother Johns Missing Gift
Play Vocabulary Game-Feed the Hungry
Her Goal Was To Walk
100th Post-I Can Do It

Scary Moments
My Son Elijah-Bacterial Meningitis
Hidden Dangers of Endometriosis
My Sons Car Accident
Elijah Got Hit by a Car
Scary Walk

Memories of Lost Friends & Loved Ones
My Brother
My Grandpa
Stacy Mazzone
Nick Mazzone
Joanne Phillips
Mike Burk
Drake & Zach

Funny Moments
Oh Mickey Your So Fine
The Freshman & The Seniors
Need a Laugh
Golfing Mishap
Butts & Fireworks

T.V/Gameshow Appearances
Brainsurge Recap
Dr. Rey Infomercial
The Cleaner

Sports Highlights
Elijah-Edison vs. Newport Harbor-Football
Elijah-Edison vs. Esperanza-Football
Elijah-Track
Jullien-Edison vs Mater Dei
Jullien-Edison vs. Los Alamitos
Jullien-Edison vs. Fountain Valley

Proud Moments
Jullien H.S. Graduation/Elijah Jr. High Graduation
Dillon's H.S. Graduation
Natascha & Jeremy's Wedding
Anthony-My Soulmate
Joshy's 21st Birthday
(BTW-I'm also proud of Josh & Tasha's Graduation, but they graduated before I started blogging)

Thanks again to all of you...you're comments always bring a smile to my day!