to whom it may interest

I'm on Twitter now. I think, subconsciously, it is one of my life's missions to belong to every online community available. With the exception of Myspace. No thanks. Anyway, I find something strangely relaxing and poetic about the writing of short, random sentences. I'll just leave it at that. *B

it's time

We've been potty training for three days now...

Side note: Have I ever mentioned how much I hate the word "potty"???
HATE it. I'd rather say pee/poo. And we do. That is all.

Anyway, we have had some accidents, but nothing too bad. I think that part is unavoidable. I'm just glad we have a washer/dryer in this place! I've also got a sticker chart + candy + new underwear, which will hopefully = success! It's definitely trying my patience, though. Every 30 minutes for a bathroom break really takes its toll... but it needs to be done. After all, it's time. *B

photo by limonada

a rolling pumpkin gathers no moss...

I love pumpkins. And I absolutely adore Autumn! October happens to be my favorite month, too. The colors, the air, the quiet, the pace and of course, THE holiday! You better believe we've got our costumes in the works ;)

So yay for Fall and all it entails! Here's a little freebie for you to celebrate the season: it's a festive desktop wallpaper, and it happens to match my Spook Alpha and Sweetly Sinister paper pack. I designed all of these last year... but since that October was less than ideal, I'm busting out the goodies now. Consider it an early treat (not a trick)!

If it tickles your fancy, you can snatch the Fall Wall Freebie here:
http://www.4shared.com/file/66105787/5b359471/bsummers_Fall-WallFreebie.html

Also sweet: my new blog song! Love Kate Nash, almost as much as I love pumpkins :) I'm off to AZ for a week, and hopefully when I get back I'll have those pictures I've been talking about... and a lot more to share, too. But in the meantime, happy Fall y'all! *B

photo by Robin

what rhymes with worm?

Squirm does. And my little apple baby is squirming!
No kicking yet, just butterfly squirms. It's fun.
I've missed baby movements. It's my favorite.
Next week my little applet will be an avocado baby.
And then I'll be almost four months along...
time flies when you're having fun; fun with squirms! *B

photo by Jenna. Thanks J!

the nitty gritty

I'm so overwhelmed and busy with patent work that my graphic design side business has been put on the back burner. So sorry to some who feel like I've forgotten them; it's not true! I remember and my conscience is eating away at me --not to mention my complete failure as host of a couple giveaways and the one swap, all from times long since past! I will get to all of them, eventually. I promise. One step at a time, though. First step, designing all those designs I said I would! Also, I noticed that I still have two spots open ;)

1. Joe - baby announcements
2. Marcie - header
3. Clarissa - blog makeover
4. Lacey - blog design
5. Rachel H. - blog design
6. Leslie - ???
7. Aranne - blog design
8. Mandi - something (possibly a decor board)!
9. your name here
10. your name here

Also, for those who have asked about my pricing:

BLOGS
Blog header: $25
Blog background: $25
Sidebar titles: $25
Blog Design/Makeover: $60-75

CARDS, ETC.
$50 design fee

CUSTOM GRAPHICS
$20-35 hourly rate

And the quilt board was custom made for my mom's quilt group (please contact me if you're interested in a board design. Feel free to contact me to say hi, too! :) I'm a little into quilting nowadays myself... 'tis the season! Seriously, I've got fabric and crochet on the brain; my creative juices are flowing again, yay! Oh, and next week: updating all the links on my sidebars AND posting pictures of what we've been up to for the past month or two! We've been a little on the busy/stressed side of life, in case you couldn't tell... but all is good. Especially my little apple baby! *B

this stinks...

PATENTS SUCK!!!
That is all. *B

until next time

I have officially earned the worst blogger award! So sorry for being so lame and not updating frequently. Things are good, though. Still pregnant :) I'm just swamped with work, side projects and two sickies! Hopefully I'll get some extra time and motivation to post some pictures and/or some worthwhile reading. Until then... *B

finally

The camera is unloaded! Now I have the necessary memory to take pictures, which means this blog will be less boring (hopefully). Although, as to whether or not I have the necessary memory myself to remember to take pictures is an entirely different story... just wanted to share this trivial information with you before I'm off to do laundry, lasagna, cupcakes and FHE. Also, we had a tarantula on our porch today. No, I do not have a picture of it and I do not want to talk about it further! [shudders]

Bday pics of the birthday boys to come later this week! *B

time for an update

Holy guacamole, it's almost been a month since my last post! Sheesh. I suppose that means I should probably write something, before I lose any more readers. Or before my mother shoots me... whichever comes first. Just so you know, my camera is full of pictures that I have yet to transfer from five months ago. So, no new pictures, just a boring post. Also, I've had a LOT on my mind lately. Here's just a sampling:

whining about...
1. just trying to stay alive right now. Last month was beastly and this month looks to be the same, but worse. We are officially broke. No cash, credit or loans left over to live on. It seems like we have nothing but debt. It sucks.
2. feeling sick, exhausted and starving. All the time. Not necessarily in that order, though...

dreaming about...
1. money, obviously. Because then we could pay rent + utilities. And then I could get this, this and this/this. Food would be nice, too.
2. a baby girl. Her name is Elizabeth Rae Summers, but she goes by Elsie-Rae. She has blue eyes and brown, wavy hair. She also sleeps through the night.

lucky about...
1. jobs. Even though we live from paycheck to paycheck, it's better than nothing. I am hyper aware of how blessed we really are.
2. being pregnant. I am just about 9 weeks along and am due late-mid-March (like, the 19th). A couple of weeks ago we had an ultrasound to rule out another ectopic pregnancy. Good news abounds, because the baby is indeed where it needs to be (my uterus)! We also got to see the tiny heart flutter and hear it beat, too. I just hope and pray that things continue to get better, and in seven months I'll have my baby! And yes, I would be perfectly happy if she turned out to be a he, instead ;) Oh, and I haven't thrown up yet. Definitely lucky about that!

And for what it's worth, I thought Breaking Dawn was awesome! It basically rocked my socks. Time to find a new obsession... *B

three meanings...

makes for a REAL long post! It means three things. Also, it makes for a lot of "super" usage. You ready? You sure? You're sure you're sure? Ok, here we go:

1. Binary code. In other words, computer talk. And yes, at one point in my life I used to be able to read it... but in this case, it signifies my jobs that rely on my computer. First job: designer for Writing on the Wall. I've hinted at it before and I think it's safe to mention it now, because they're at market! Anyway, I've designed a handful of home decor boards for the lovely duo and they're being sold in boutique stores. Super excited! I just send them designs I come up with, they freak out and buy them, and then MY design is printed on wooden boards and sold in home boutique stores (my mom happens to work at such a store). I've also tried my hand at designing some other things for other people, but I have to keep my lips zipped on that for a while longer...


Second job: kicks butt! I've been officially hired on at Brad's firm in Malibu as a patent drawings draftsman. The extra money is killer (I make marginally less than Brad does, and he's a patent agent!), but the best part is I get to work from home! A couple hours a day really helps repair the dents in our wallets. It's not near as fun/pretty as things I've done in the past, but it is by far the best job I've had to date. Super lucky! Basically, my computer has become my best friend. Perhaps I should brush up on my computer speak...


2. Serious nerdism. I think it's safe to say that I'm a geek. Pretty sure I've made that pretty clear ever since I admitted to being a huge dork... but what's more is that our little family is going to Comic-Con next week!!! I've always secretly wanted to go, and now I am. Oh man, I'm excited. And nervous. Because I just happen to be going the same day when the author, director and actors of Twilight will be there. Not to mention all the super heroes, action figures, and dorkier dorks that are sure to dazzle us. Super cool! I've already been daydreaming up t-shirt designs for the three of us. Yes, Will is going with us. The indoctrination must start while he's still young.


3. And finally, but certainly not least, my eggo is preggo! It's true my friends --after almost a year of trying, succeeding, failing, waiting and trying again-- I am indeed just barely pregnant :D I've decided to share the news early because, truth be told, I need and appreciate a good support system. I'm being careful, trying to curb my enthusiasm because I really don't know what will happen these next few months. Hopefully nothing but a growing and healthy baby... but for now, all is well! I'm super happy. And always hungry. And very, very hopeful.

So there you have it! *B

photo by trikeratops

take a guess

What does it mean?
I'll tell you later...
because I'm mean.

Also, I'm kinda excited. *B

photo by Rakka

post script

I'm pretty sure I'm the worst blogger, right now! Forget posting regularly. Forget commenting regularly. Forget contests, or swaps. Shoot, forget Bloglines! And I can't guarantee that I'll be/get better anytime soon... but there are a few things I wanted to add since my last post. So here goes:

First off, we are poorer than dirt. I've never been so worried about money as I am now. These past few weeks and looking into the coming month is nothing short of frightening. However, we've been extremely blessed and things have just worked out, miraculously. Thanks to the law of tithing! Wow. Anyway, so I've been busting my butt to make a few bucks, ever since we got back from all our traveling. I'm venturing out more and more into the graphic design world and so far, so good. And hopefully next week, I can give you more details about what's been keeping me so busy. But busy is good, because it means money. And we need money. Now, more than ever.

Also, I am not pregnant. Just thought I would answer that question a bit more clearly. Yes, I wish I was, but apparently someone up high has some other plans for us. I'm trying to come to grips with said plan, and for most of the time I'm right on board with it. But then there are the times where no matter how logical I am (you know, realizing how lucky I am to already have a son and that there may be a darn good reason as to why I haven't had another one yet, etc.), it doesn't change the fact that I want a baby. I'm ready, waiting, and still wanting. So yeah.

And I am honestly amazed that there are people out there that like Apple Jacks! No offense. but I really don't care for them. And before you say/write anything, it has NOTHING to do with the fact that it's a sugar cereal. Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Cocoa Crispies just so happen to be amongst my favorites! But Apple Jacks? Bluck. Anyway, thanks to everyone for answering my random question :)

Oh, and if you're interested in learning about what I've been reading, then be my friend on GoodReads. Good stuff. Good times. And now I'm off to read some more, and be with my brother. Did I forget to mention that he's been visiting with us for the past week? Oh, and WALL-E is AMAZING. Go see it. *B

PS- to anyone who might be interested: I'm working on building up my portfolio in graphic design. So, to the first ten people, I will help design your blog/website, t-shirt, cards/invitations/announcements or anything else you can think of, for free! Email me with any requests or questions. Help me, help you ;)

trying to stay sane...

{photo by Robin}

I'm back. From traveling, that is. I'm also back in laundry valley... honestly, I don't feel like doing anything. At all. Except read. I've been doing a lot of that lately. It's my way of hiding from the world. From things like laundry. And poverty. And pizza face. And non-pregnancy. And the HEAT! What else is there to do but lock yourself inside with your television, books, and bored (needy) child? And all of this leads me to wonder: who actually likes Apple Jacks???

No, really. I want to know. *B

pathetic, i know

My little monkey just asked me for a shirt, because he was "cold." The nerve of that child, expecting his mother to dress him! What's next? Begging me to change his diaper?! Wait, he already does...

Time to get off the comp and back to laundry [sigh]. *B

boy howdy: a travel log

Sheesh and man alive, I am beat! And then some. I can't even remember what I've been up to these past few weeks, but I'll try my best to recollect... so we were up in Washington for a while and came home for a day to ourselves. Then one of my BFF's came for a few days; what a treat! A day after her departure, we had a little shindig with some buddies before they left, and a couple of days later we headed out for Utah. Brad had some business to attend to and we had some family and friends to visit. It's been far too long, but we finally got to spend some quality time with grandparents, sister/brother and nephews/cousins for a week (Monk was in heaven, and frankly, so was I. Thanks Ellen for being the sister I always wanted!). I'm not even sure if the hub was able to get enough work done, which was the main reason we headed out that way...

I was also able to meet up with my pals from the web, Jbird (who graciously took some amazing family photos) and Lacey (who is officially THE cutest and sweetest pregnant lady I've ever met). Much fun, but too short a visit, gals! Oh, and we also made a quick stop in St. George to see my lovely Aunt S. AND Brad has some family in Vegas that we got to spend some time with and we're already planning on future trips to Sin City, in the next year or so... you know, to slip some coins into slots and window shop for a possible home. We'll see how far temptation takes us ;)

Wait, I'm not finished, yet! Now that we're home for a few days, I'm attempting to move mountains of laundry (I seriously have like, 50-odd loads), take a test, fulfill some orders and finish up some fun and exciting projects that I still haven't even mentioned yet! Don't even ask me how many emails and blogs I have to go through... Then, come Monday it's a day at Dland with my family, followed by a huge Borgia reunion up in Sacramento. Basically, when we get back next Saturday (?) I plan on locking myself in my apartment until Comic-Con (yup, still as dorky as ever; I'm also lame and feeling fat).

Oh, and gas prices (now $4.50) do NOT help in all of this traveling... also, we are poorer than dirt. But, we have discovered that Arby's makes some killer subs! *B

stuck behind the moon

I'm hiding. That's what I tell people, my reason as to why I haven't written for so long (mostly this guy, and him, too). Ok, not really. I'm just doing things other than blogging... am I really missed, though? I'm still waiting for my induction amongst the real heroes. If only I had a super power, like mind reading, or hypnotic writing... but really, I'm just getting out more.

My apologies, but I'm quite enjoying my unintentionally prolonged blogging break... not posting unless I feel like it; it's quite exhilarating at times. *B

PS- new theme song ;)

that's what she said

All right, here's the deal: I've been away from home for the past week or two. I'm up in Seattle (which I'd forgotten how much I loved) with the hub's family. Good people. Good times. And anytime I go on vacation, I go into an unplanned blog hiatus. That means my posting on and reading of blogs (and commenting) grinds to a halt. With the exception of the Twilight Lexicon blog, of course. My obsessive nerdiness, for one, is not influenced by location. However, my weight is, and I am so kicking my butt into high gear when I get home... also, it is really, REALLY, unfair to feel pregnant when you're not. But I am glad that my nasty head cold is finishing up. Not so glad about my asthmatic lungs. Also, Iron Man is wicked awesome. Wow. Oh, and I need to cut my bangs. Again.

I'll be back to regular posting, both logical and nonsensical, in a few days...
I love me some vacay! *B

May 11th, 2008

I could have given birth today. I could be nursing, right now, too. And again in two hours... I would also be recovering from another Cesarean, most likely. But I would have had my baby. Time sure does fly, whether you're having fun or not. Honestly, I felt like this day would be forever in coming. And I worried that once it came, I'd be a wreck. I'm not, though. Surprisingly. I'm sad, disappointed. And confused. But I'm okay.

I'm also a mother to another wonderful, sweet (moody), healthy boy. So happy mother's day to me! And to all the other wonderful women out there, who love as mothers do (because a baby doesn't make a mother; love does). And I'm grateful to have the love of my wonderful mothers, and the love of my child. *B

geeking out

It's confession time, my dear friends. And I do hope we can still be friends after what I'm about to tell you. You're sure to look at me differently. Here goes... I'm a total nerd. I mean, really, a full blown geek. Let me lay it all out for ya (in no particular order) and do or don't laugh, because it's all true...

1. I have glasses. And I like them.
2. I grew up playing with my brother's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as much as I played with dolls. I also read comic books and Goosebumps more frequently than I read Anne of Green Gables, etc.
   
3. I used to read about and sketch fairies with elaborate wings, obsessively.
   
4. Most of the guys I dated or hung out with were either huge video gamers or computer programmers. My husband happens to be both.
5. I once considered getting a minor in Computer Science in college. I took one course (CS 124), was one of two girls in attendance, did surprisingly well and ended up with an A in the class and was offered a tutoring position. My own tutor and teacher practically begged me to stay in the program...
6. I used to be able to read binary, assembly language, and basic C++
7. I currently understand a bit of html and can code my own stuff, with a little help from the web et al.
8. I frequently read and can appreciate/understand 90% of the webcomic xkcd
9. I have a kick trash, screaming fast computer that is not only useful for all of my graphic design projects, but also comes in real handy whenever I feel like playing this game. My character's name is Rhea and I'm a wood elf. But I only play in God Mode...
10. I really, truly want to play Dungeons & Dragons. The real-live version, not the video game (which I have played).
    
11. I admittedly feel more comfortable scrapbooking digitally rather than with paper
12. I love the Renaissance Festival and have been dying to go back ever since my first field trip there, despite the Arizona heat, that's how much I love it. However, I did go to a jousting tournament In Bellevue, last summer. That was fun.
    
13. Firefly is one of my favorite shows. I wish it would come back.
14. I'm still freaking out (happily) that the geniuses behind BSG finally decided to kill off Cally. She was fracking annoying! ;)
    
15. I've always secretly wanted to go to this, and I am seriously considering going this year. You know, in an effort to fully embrace my nerdhood.
    
16. Galaxy Quest is by far, one of my most favorite movies. Ever.
17. Lord of the Rings is my favorite book. Dracula is my second. I'm a sucker for anything magika and/or vampire, pun not intended.
18. Speaking of which, I cannot even begin to tell you how many times I've read the Twilight series. It's not THE best book ever (please see #17), but it is a fun and easy read (please, don't think less of me dearest Rob). But honestly, vampires and teenage romance? I was doomed from the beginning. It seems as though Stephenie Meyer manufactures my brand of heroin ;) I also secretly subscribe to and frequently stalk any fansites out there... and DUDE! They're making a movie!!! Seriously geeking out over this, this, and this. Oh yeah, AND this:
    

I've already got plans in the making for a book signing expedition AND a tour of Forks, La Push, etc. Who's with me???

BUT, I do speak plain English (sans Middle Earth accent) and can dress myself (in clothing other than mithril armor). Also, I have not and never will work at McDonald's. So, can we still be friends? *B

may day

is the day we were wed. We, as in me and Brad (the hub). And we have been blissfully married for four years, now. Honestly, we really are happy together. I think we could count how many fights we've had on one hand, with fingers to spare! No joke. We have yet to get tired of each other. Crazy.

Simply put, this man of mine just makes me smile, every morning. He has since day one. And he will continue to do so for forever...

Thank you for that, honey. And thanks for so much more. *B