The Dudley's

Engagements: Laura & Drew

2012-01-06T20:44:00.000-08:00

I had never been to an Engagement Party before so I was super excited to be invited to one. Not just one...but a party for one of the sweetest people in the entire world. Really!

Laura is the "give-you-her-shirt-off-her-back" type of person. She is genuinely sincere and I hear also one of the best little sisters in the universe. I was excited to meet the man who makes her so happy, giddly when she talks about him and who will call her his wife soon. Drew has an infectious smile and eyes that I'm sure his Mom thought would melt hearts when he got older. Well, Laura's heart is oozing with love for him.

I photographed Laura's big sister's wedding a couple years ago and when Drew popped the question over the Christmas holiday, big sis was calling me (not only to invite me to the Engagement Party) but to see if I was available to shoot Laura's wedding. UHHH....YEAH!!!

Drew is currently serving in the Navy and is stationed Oklahoma. His holiday visit was coming to an end and we had very limited time to shoot their engagement session...so why not 2 days before he left? This was my 2nd New Years Eve shoot...and by far one of my overall favorite sessions...

I can't wait!!!

NEW YEARS SPECIAL: MDPHOTOGRAPHY BLOWOUT SALE!!

2012-01-02T14:30:00.000-08:00

OUT WITH THE OLD IN WITH THE NEW!!!

2011 was filled with so many ups and downs for me and THANKFULLY ended on the up & up. I feel good going into 2012 knowing something good is on the horizon. I decided to share that goodness and offer 20% off all of my packages for ONE WEEK...which means you're getting 2011 prices plus 20% off! BOOYAH!!!

I am ready for what 2012 will bring. I hope it's filled with more engagements, weddings, new babies, new and bigger families, new/rekindled loves & friendships, new furbabies...and who knows what else?! All I know...is that I am ready for it...camera.in.hand. I hope you are ready too!

If it were up to (only) me, I would have new pictures of my hubby and I done every year! My hubby...not so much. HA! Luckily, this is the year for us (yay)! And I hope it is for you too.

Don't.pass.this.dealio.up!!

(regular prices listed here ~ discount listed in Paypal dropdown menu)

Wedding Packages

Package One:

$1,900.00

700+ high resolution images

Ceremony and full reception coverage

~Engagement Session A included~

Package Two:

$1,700.00

400-600 high resolution images

Ceremony and up to 3 hours of reception coverage

~Engagement Session B included~

Package Three:

$1,500.00

300-400 high resolution images

Ceremony and 2 hours of reception coverage

~Engagement Session C included~

All wedding photography packages include a consultation meeting, a minimum of 4 hours of coverage (also while wedding party is getting ready!), formals, candids and photojournalism style portraits, Multi-location (within IE/OC or LA area), high resolution images provided on a CD with rights to print, copy and be shared with anyone.

Prints included on all wedding packages: (5) 8x10’s, (5) 5x7’s and (50) 3x5’s

Portrait Sessions:

Engaged A- $375.00

2 hour session

25 fully edited, high-resolution images

Prints included: (5) 8x10’s (5) 5x7’s (50) 3x5’s

Engaged B - $275

1 hour session

20 fully edited, high-resolution images

Prints included: (2) 8x10’s (5) 5x7’s

Engaged C - $175

1 hour session

15 fully edited, high-resolution images

Prints included: (2) 8x10’s (2) 5x7’s

Family/Senior/Maternity/Portrait Session A (Up to 5 people) - $395.00

2 hour session

25 fully edited, high-resolution images

Prints included: (5) 8x10’s (5) 5x7’s (50) 3x5’s

Family/Senior/Maternity/Portrait Session B (Up to 5 people) - $295.00

1 hour session

20 fully edited, high-resolution images

Prints: (2) 8x10’s (5) 5x7’s (50) 3x5’s

Family/Senior/Maternity/Portrait Session C (Up to 5 people) - $195.00

1 hour session

15 fully edited, high-resolution images

Prints: (2) 8x10’s (5) 5x7’s (50) 3x5’s

Portraits sessions can be taken at your choice of local park, favorite place, home or I can scope out a spot. Images will be provided on a CD with rights to print, copy and share!

The discounted prices are listed in the Paypal dropdown menu. If you can't decide which one you want just yet, just choose the $100 deposit option and that will lock in the New Years Special blowout sale price and allow you some time to decide which package you like best! You can pay the rest & schedule your session later! Ahhh....ain't that nice?!

Blowout Sale Price ONLY Good Until Midnight on January 7th!!

This sale has ended. Email mdphotographee@yahoo.com for current pricing and availability.

Greetings From !@#$%^&*()... (8 Weeks Cancer Free!!!)

2011-10-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

Ok...so I meant to blog last night and got sooooo busy...LOL! Um, yeah, no. It just got later and later and then I didn't want to have to deal with dodging any dogs to get to the computer room or clean-everything-I-touch hassle. And I was freezing! I didn't want to move from the warmth of my bed. Most of you know I'm not a fan of the cold weather. Since I have no one to snuggle up to...it sucks even more. I guess I could have finally used my Chargers pillow pet. I even had to double up on the fuzzy socks!

But, today was beautiful! A little windy. I don't mind the wind too much. It makes things fun when you go outside. Check out my beach view...

I'm on Day 4 of taking my Thyroid meds and I don't feel much of a difference but I did start doing a few exercises in the room so I guess it's working. I was actually motivated to...move! I did 20 "girly" push ups, 30 crunches and 2 sets of a yoga...set. I don't know what to call it. My arms have gotten weak after not having energy to exercise or do yoga for 2 months. OMG...2 months!! Hey...I'm 8 weeks cancer free today!! Maybe that should have been the title to this post...ok..I'm adding it now. I like the other title so I kept that one too...I can have 2 titles!

I'm starting to dream about my dogs and Jason...which I normally tell myself "I must miss _ because I had a dream about them last night..." Well, now I'm dreaming about the people I am only feet away from. I do miss them. I miss kissing my hubby every night. ;(

Ok...that's enough sad stuff...

2 days of quarantine left!!! Woohoo!!!

Captivity Isn't So Bad...

2011-10-24T13:35:00.000-07:00

I'm 4 days into my radiation and quarantine and I'm doing great! A lot of you have text or called to see how I am doing so I wanted to share with everyone what I've been up to...which isn't much. Haha!

Thursday I got prepped and ready for treatment and quarantine. I got plenty of reading material and sweet and sour candy to counteract the dry mouth sensitive/painful glands side effects of the radiation. Jason went a tiny bit overboard with the candy but he said "Well, you have plenty of options!" Thanks babe!

I think I was looking for tape in the garage when I came across some CAUTION tape...sooo you know I had to have some fun with that!! I placed a strip on my bedroom door and thought it would be funny to create a sash too...it's cute right? Do they make long sleeved white doctors gloves? Those would have been perfect! Hmm...where's my crown...?

October 21st, Day 1: Treatment & start of Quarantine (dum, dum, dum)

Everything has been pretty uneventful. I can't do much in my room. Daytime TV is a bore. I have to wait until 4PM for The Ellen Show to see anything worth watching on local stations and that's only 1 hour. I wish it were 2 or 3 hours. Of all the movie channels I pay for you would think I'd stay entertained. Nope. I've either seen the movie or have no interest in watching it. I started to watch ADAPTATION which has some REALLY great actors in it, but I couldn't get into it. I'll have to try it again. I'm sure it's great it just didn't hold my attention that day. It would be better of MTV actually played music videos during conscious hours...on at least ONE of their stations! It's so annoying that they only play music videos during the time people sleep on this part of the world.

October 22nd, Day 2:

So here's my wonderful set up. I look like a slob! Everything I need is on my bed or close to me to minimize exposure to things I don't need to touch or use. Just so I don't have to remember what needs to be washed or wiped down once this is all done.

The movie on the TV is the KNOWING with Nicolas Cage. You know that's not his real name? Most of you probably know his real last name is COPPOLA. But did you know his middle name was KIM? I thought that was interesting. Nicholas Kim Coppola. I love his acting and I really like this movie. I love movies like that!

Just in case you were wondering what all I have on my bed. Here's a list (for y'all nosey peeps like me):

Ellen's new book

iPad

iPod

Cell

Remote

Glasses case

Purse

Radiation/quarantine instructions

Hospital bracelet

2 pairs of jeans (should be in the hamper)

Extra socks for my cold feet (can't sleep with cold feet)

The Ugly Dachshund (friend let me borrow~love this oldie but goodie)

And me...under the Charger blanket ;)

October 23rd, Day 3:

Well, not much has happened. Duh. Haha! I am feeling pretty good still. My appetite is a little off. Not as hungry or craving anything like I thought. Jason did make me some BOMB waffles this morning. Mmm, mmm good. My glands are still a little sensitive but eating too many sweets are making my stomach uneasy so I think I'm giving up on the candy and just massaging my glands, which seem to work just as well as the candy. Or maybe the worst part of the side effects are over. Doc said I would only need candy for a few days. Good thing because I am more of a salty than sweet person. I'd rather have sunflower seeds over a Snickers just about any day! Well, a Snickers actually sounds good today.

TV can't hold my attention so I am ready Ellen's book. Pretty funny. I can hear her voice as I read the words. She wrote the book how she talks so it's like I'm ready days worth of her monologues. I love it already. "Quien es, quien es?" LOL!! You gotta read it...

So here's the opposite view...ME. See...I'm OK! Still me. No alien...yet. OH! I started my Thyroid meds today!! I cant feel any difference but as I keep taking them and the radiation wears off I should be feeling back to normal in no time. Yay! ;)

October 24th, Day 4:

That's today! The first time I am OK to venture out of the room. Well, I was super paranoid to leave my room the first few days since that's when I was THE MOST radioactive, so for Jason's, Susan's and my furbabies sake I stayed in the room. But by today the doc said the radiation would have worn off enough that I can lessen the distance I have with people. So instead of 7-10 feet, it can be 6-7 feet and I can "pass someone briefly in a hallway" I think was the example he gave. So now I'm in my computer room...typing this post with medical gloves on just in case my fingers decide they want to sweat, I won't expose the keyboard to any radiation that will stick after I walk away. This picture was taken right before I left the room. I was actually a little nervous. Can you tell?! Like..."Here I go!"

So...there you go! A little update on my radiation and quarantine. I'll try to get in here (my computer room) everyday now and do a little daily post instead of one long one. I just couldn't get in here sooner...or do it from my iPad...at least not with pictures anyways. ;)

Hope you enjoyed! Do something fun for me! Or kiss your loved ones goodnight since I can't for 4 more days. Love you guys!! <3M

NO WAY!!!

2011-09-06T09:58:00.000-07:00

No freaking way. Did the doctor just say what I think he said? The lump was positively cancerous? Really? There is no way...no way I had cancer. I...am...healthy! It's almost unbelievable. Almost meaning, deep down inside I knew it was. I prayed my worst thoughts wouldn't come true. I often pray that God take this awful habit away from me...of always thinking of the worst. I guess my brain does it to mentally prepare myself for the unlikely but yet very possible worst outcome (my history has proven, at least). Then I spend the whole time trying to convince myself I am wrong and that I shouldn't believe those evil thoughts because I knoooow I always think the worst. Maybe that's why it "hasn't hit me yet", because I've always "known" deep down. I just didn't realize it until I had already accepted it.

The doctor said the best cancer to get is Thyroid cancer. "Ask any of the doctors or nurses here," he said. If I were destined to have cancer, I was blessed to get the most survivable kind. All I had to do was (thankfully) catch it early, have surgery to remove my ENTIRE Thyroid (omg), possible radiation treatment (yes, singular) in 6 weeks, take my meds everyday.for.the.rest.of.my.life (hate that part) and have my annual checks every year from here on out to ensure a clean bill of health. I guess I did luck out. There are worse cancers I could have "inherited" and had a not so happy journey or outcome. I am thankful it was me and not anyone else I love.

I've been keeping (kind of) a journal on my iPad since the day I found little 'ol "Lumpie". It's helped me to get out my negative thoughts and think more positively and optimistically. It was a short 3 1/2 month journey from when I found the lump to now, but felt like a year...

"The doctors typing was starting to get on my nerves. You figure a doctor would have learned how to type semi-properly in all the schooling they have had. Every smack of the keys made me more upset. I started to dissect his word processing skills. Two taps on the space bar between each word. Delete, delete. Space, space. Tap, tap. Smack, smack.

"Well, I don't think it's anything serious. Something that shows up overnight like that isn't Lymphoma. That usually develops over a long period of time."

Smack, smack. Space, space. Tap, tap. Delete, delete.

I keep looking at Jason. I try to keep a calm face but I can see he's just as worried as I am. We leave the doctors office with tons of ideas and possibilities running through our heads. I, of course, am sure the lump wasn't there yesterday...but I could be wrong. How long could it have been there? Could it be something serious? Am I just being paranoid?

Laying down in bed, Jason and I snuggle close. Our way of saying, "Everything is going to be fine." I keep thinking to myself "This damn lump better be gone in the morning!"

Wake up. Still there. Damn it!

Wake up. Still there. Ugh...

It becomes routine now. Every morning I wake up and feel my neck to find the lump still there. Pray that it's nothing.

Week 1... still there. Starting to think my little friend is here to stay...hoping it's nothing serious though..."

~~~

"Day before surgery. It still seems surreal. Still waiting for it to hit me.

Morning of surgery. Up a little after 4am. 2nd night in a row I fell asleep in Jason's arms. 2nd night in a row I got some good sleep to. I feel awake today. Rested. Still not as nervous as I thought I would be but my stomach knows something is up. It's upset. Just a little. I hop in the shower. Remembered not to put on any lotion or drink any water and I took off all my jewelry. My stomach looks weird without my belly button ring on. I've had that thing over 10 years and still love it. It's always weird taking my wedding rings off. I rarely do. I have girlfriends who take their rings off every night before they go to bed or when they take a shower or put lotion on. I don't get it. That puts more of risk at me losing my rings. Maybe it's just me. I would more than likely forget to put them back on after I was done doing whatever I took them off for. It's better just to leave them on. They are set nicely on a pair of workout socks in my sock and bathing suit drawer. It feels odd to clasp my hands together and not feel my rings. I guess as a nervous twitch I rub my rings because I keep doing it, but now they are not there.
I check my phone and see messages from family and friends wishing me well. I kind of feel bad for everyone out of the loop about this. It hasn't been a secret, just not something I would want to publicize to everyone and call someone up and say "Hey! How are you? I found a lump in my neck a few months ago, might be cancer so I'm having surgery to remove it." I like to talk about and deliver good happy news. This isn't good or happy and that's just not me. I like to share things that make people happy."

Now that everything thing is just about done and over with all I will have to show for this is a 2 1/2 inch scar that (hopefully) looks like a natural wrinkle in my neck in the next 6 months or so. My voice is slowly but surely coming back. Energy (for now) is returning. Spirits and smiles are back...full force. Yeah...I guess I was pretty lucky.

Starting Somewhere...

2011-09-06T09:43:00.001-07:00

I wrote this as a guest blogger for ActorsSpotlight on Twitter...thought I would share here. ;)

I'm writing this one the Eve of my 30th birthday. Some would say that is a late start to becoming an actor. "Aren't you a little "old" to just start pursuing acting?!" I think this is the perfect time for me. Why not? I have to start somewhere, right?

I came to a point in my life where I felt stuck. Everything about my day job was unsatisfactory and making me increasingly unhappy. I knew I could do better that a desk job. That working in a cubicle and entertaining my coworkers with small talk was not my destiny. I didn't know what it was that was scratching at the surface. After a series of, what I call epiphanies, I realized acting is what I should be doing.

If I had pursued acting at 17 when I graduated high school (like I originally wanted), I wouldn't have made it. I know I wouldn't have. The rejection would have killed me. Fast forward 13 years and it can't escape me. The life experiences I've encountered over the years have been my formal training. They have prepared me for this up hill battle. The desire is there, minus the fears of rejection. I know it's business. It's not personal. I know I can do it. I had to find it within me. That's the first step. Do I really want this?

When asked if I was interested in writing a guest blog for Actor Spotlight I thought "What would I write about? I'm not a veteran actor. I've only been on one audition...and I didn't get the job. Can I even call myself an actor yet?" That self doubt and fear of rejection started to trickle back in. But...I figured there are thousands of actors that are in the same boat as me; newbie actors just starting off in the biz or people who want to give it a freakin' shot and are in the search for motivation, encouragement, information...inspiration.

There are so many odds stacked up against us. Age, weight, height, hair color, eye color. And most of all our own worst enemy at times, ourselves. No matter what your age, weight, looks or lack of experience; don't hold yourself back! Don't ignore who you ARE and eliminate the possibility greatness, happiness and satisfaction of living your life to the fullest. Just remember... You have to start somewhere.

Michelle Dudley is an actor, photographer and writer. You can see/read more of her work at http://dudleydorights.blogspot.com/ and http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4550168/. Follow her on Twitter @KnuckleheadD24.

I Don't Feeeeeel 30...

2011-07-24T22:13:00.000-07:00

But I am! And it feels good!! Well, a little weird...mentally. So many things happened in my twenties that it's hard to comprehend that section of my life is...over. Over sounds wrong...like my life is over but the opposite. I feel like it's the beginning of a new era. 30 is the new 20! Has someone already coined that phrase? If not, I just did. ;)

I understand it now when people say "I wish I knew THEN, what I know NOW," and it's SO freakin' true. Sometimes I hate it when I become that "older" person that starts repeating what I said I would never say..."when I get older." I think it's unavoidable. Wisdom is not learned, it's experienced. You can only become a wise person after you've experienced life. Ain't that some heavy shit for ya to digest?! We always seem to think we know it all and when we learn something new...it's like "Damn, I thought wrong". But it's all a part of life and growing up. I still say "I want to be like _ when I grow up." I mean, really, when are we considered "grown up". That's like saying "I've learned all I could learn," or "I've grown enough,"...?

I always wondered what it and I would be like when I got older. What would I be doing? How many kids would I have by _? How many friends would I (still) have? I've learned it's a never ending cycle of life. I am always meeting new people. Trying something different (like seafood!). Totally switching professions. But always becoming a better me. Or at least I would hope so.

Almost 23 hours into my 30's and I am already ranting like my Dad and his forever long stories that you've heard a few times too many (which I don't mind listening to...now). So, I hope you were slightly entertained by my wee-bit-o 23 hour 30 year old knowledge and insight. There's is one thing I have come to realize in my life...always appreciate the ones around you. I am so thankful for my family and friends that I have made and bonded with over my life. It's not that I took any of them for granted before...I've just refreshed my heart and mind in knowing how important everyone is no matter how significant or insignificant our time together was. Everyone has come into my life for a REASON...for whatever reason that may be...to make me laugh, make me more kind, or more tough, smarter, creative, optimistic, make a mistake to teach me a lesson, help me make the right decision, help me help them...I've taken away SOMETHING (whether conscious or unconsciously) I have gained a little bit of wisdom from all of you and will take it with me the next 30 years of my life. And I THANK YOU! And...I love you! <3

(Infamous no-makeup "I-still-need-to-get-ready-for-the-party-I-am-hosting" pic)

P.S. Happy Birthday to me!

Entry #5: Lights, Camera...Action?

2011-06-06T23:08:00.000-07:00

I finally submitted my headshots and (almost blank) resume to 3 casting directors!!! Ok...I know that's not much...but, I at least got started. That's half the battle.

I'm reading an awesome book a friend and fellow actor referred me to a book called ACT NOW! by Peter Jazwinski. It's a great book for people wanting to break into show biz and need the "need to know" now. I was lucky enough to be blessed with a natural talent to want to perform and entertain people...given my extrovert personality (aka middle child syndrome). But, if you were not lucky enough, this book really teaches you how to become comfortable (or in my case, even MORE comfortable) with performing in front of some kind of audience...be it your family and friends...or a theater/set full of strangers.

So, this ACT NOW! book assigns me tasks to "test" my acting ability (aka courage) and determination. I'm supposed to choose the more difficult ones first...like NO TV for a week or getting up an hour earlier than I am supposed to. And easier tasks like asking my neighbor to borrow a pair of socks and improv the reason why and answers to their questions, talk to an elevator full of strangers or sing a song...in front of whoever will listen. Like I said...I was lucky enough to be blessed with wanting to entertain, but I've learned...my weakness is my determination.

I love TV! You know how I love Ellen...and So You Think You Can Dance (which the season just started and looks awwwesome!). To someone else..."NO TV" might be an easy task to do. And actually getting up an hour early hasn't been as difficult as I thought...so maybe my determination is there...I just have to exercise it more. I know I want it. But what am I willing to do to get it? I have always been a team player...but this...is all on me.

Today I woke up early, popped a load of laundry in the washer, hopped on the computer and started looking at breakdowns (roles being casting detailing the characters/plot). I got in touch with a good friend yesterday who acts at a couple local theaters and asked if he could drop me a couple names that may help me get some audition info. So, this morning...I drove to those local theaters and (tried) to check out their audition info. One was closed (lovely). The other posts their auditions on Backstage (cool, I'm a member already). The 3rd I am checking out tomorrow afternoon.

Another thing this ACT NOW! taught me...or made me realize is that I need to do what I can do now...to build my resume. If that means doing a bunch of student films for free or a play at a local theater...do it! At least I am out there practicing my talent and building my resume. Who cares if it's not a commercial for Pepsi or movie for Martin Scorsese. When I realized acting is what I really want to do...I automatically thought TV and Film...which is where I want to end up (or at least I think so right now)...but I started off in theater and figured I can start there again. I know it will get me performing again...practicing...doing what I love. And at least now...my family and friends will be able to see me perform and I will begin to fulfill my dream.

That's all I can ask for...

Me...a writer? Whaaaa?

2011-05-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

I didn't believe myself either. Silly me! Waking up from a quick nap last week I had this deep urge to write about my tiniest snippet of a dream I had. Of course...my dream was weird, confusing and backwards...but when I woke up my conscious mind took it on a whole other...weirder level. Weirder? Yes, weirder!

I always thought I think of the worst things...like I'm a bad person. I'm not, but...my thoughts just sometimes get away from me. And this time...they did...and of course...my dreams are once again the topic of conversation...

"...they are definitely not just dreams. Usually nightmares stick with you a few hours and leave you with a weird feeling that fades over the day. These dreams feel so real long after I wake up. Before the accident, I don't remembering dreaming in such detail. Now, I can remember their faces. I can remember the color of their eyes. I can remember the mother's perfume. I can remember the sound of their voices as if they were spoken during my consciousness. I can feel their fear. I can feel their love...and their hate. Those details have not faded. Those details were too vivid to be just a dream. Those details can only be real..."

I just wrote this today so I haven't done much editing. I'm not the "typical" writer so I have no idea what I am doing. This is definitely a (long) work in progress...

INLE Art Show from Greg "Craola" Simkins

2011-03-14T19:53:00.000-07:00

The “INLE” Art Show featured over 100 artists, including my friends Deph and Craola, interpreting the ‘Anti-Hero’ of Richard Adams’ book “Watership Down” at Gallery1988 on Melrose. Some of them came up with some pretty crazy isshhh. A copy of the flier and full list of artist can be found on ToDieFor's website here. Below is just a few pictures of my favorite pieces from the show!

Deph "Master Of Puppets"

Greg "Craola" Simkins "The Elil And Fu Inle"

Carrie Ann Baade "Explaining Death To A Rabbit"

(This one reminds me of The Cell with Jennifer Lopez)

Alex Pardee "Surrounded By Death"

(Same artist behind some of the art work for the movie SuckerPunch)

Brandi Milne "The Hiding"

And finally, Fred Harper "Up or Down"

The place was PACKED with fans so it was difficult to get straight on shots...especially of the larger pieces. Sorry peeps.

You can view and purchase any of the artwork on the Gallery1988 website here.

I Have To Love Them Because They Are Family...

2010-12-05T21:42:00.000-08:00

But I love them for so many other reasons...most I can't even explain...

Their smiles that fill my heart with so much love for them...

Seeing how they love each other, so effortlessly and unconditionally...

For their laughter that is uncontrollably contagious that you can't help but join in...

A bond (I wish one day I will have with my [future] children...that no one can break...

For being totally awesome...

And always reciprocating the love...

I love you guys!!

Aquinas High Senior Photo Session!!

2010-11-28T14:41:00.000-08:00

I guess some of the schools this year have decided to navigate away from the traditional photography company to have their school pictures done (specifically their senior portraits) so I was approached by my mom-in-laws best friend to have her son's senior portraits done...and I was ALL FOR IT!!

Josh has a very outgoing personality so I knew the shoot was going to be a blast!! He brought 4 of his friends along who added to the fun!

~Josh~

~Jonathan~

(Best buds since Kindergarten!)

~Troy, Robert, Josh, Jonathan & Mike~

~Robert~

~Mike~

~Troy~

This shoot was so much fun!! I can't wait to do more!! Go Class of 2011!!

My Little 'ol PSA to Help Stop Bullying

2010-10-28T22:59:00.000-07:00

Kamee June Photography Workshop 10-2-10!

2010-10-13T21:31:00.000-07:00

People usually save the THANK YOU's for the end...but I want to thank Kamee first. She's not only an awesome photographer but she is also an AH-MAZING person, great motivator, loving mommy and tear-jerker talker. I saw the passion she has in EVERYTHING she does and it inspired me...oh so much that day...and will stick with me forever. :) So Thank you Kamee...for so much. <3

Now on to the goodies! I have TONS of photos from the Great Gatsby-esk themed workshop but I wanted to share a few...ok...several of my favorites!

We shot at the Edenglen Clubhouse in Corona. This place was awesome!! The models were troopers...working in the hot sun...but they all worked it!

Styled by the AH-MAZING Katrina Kirk of KitschbyKat

...Bianca, Hannah, Kaelynn and Rebekah...

This lovey-dovey couple made me miss my husband. They are getting married...if I remember correctly...in 29 days! They were fantastic! Tall, dark and handsome...beautiful, petite and sultry...

...Vince and Ashley...

Ok, ok...a couple more...

And now for the final THANK YOU's.

I know these two ladies helped me out...Kamee's "totally rad assistants" and organizers Amanda Schiavi and Julie Rollins.

All of the attending photographers got these SUPER CUTE agenda/info/tips packet put together by Bethany Graham and designed by Shannon Eberhardt. It was very thoughtful, for me at least, of how much time, effort and personal touches Kamee puts in her workshops. I should have taken a picture of her house...it was so cute!! I loved her guest bedroom too...the ceiling was RAD...yes, Julie and I were snoopin' around. LOL!

Last, but not least, I enjoyed meeting, hanging out, working and talking with all the other photographers, making new friends and colleagues that will help me with whatever "stupid" question I think I might have but always getting a good answer back and support when ever I need it.

Thank you! <3

10.10.10

2010-10-10T20:38:00.000-07:00

I love today's date! I always try to convince people to get married or try to have babies on dates like today. Jason and I were married on 04.04.04 so I always try to keep that going somehow. Today...I am surprised I do not know anyone getting married today nor am I shooting a wedding today.

Almost a little weird (like this guy below).

(Charger game 10.3.10. My friend Jenn and I with another fan)

I couldn't let the day go by without a mention...so I thought I'd blog this tiny little blog post to honor 10.10.10! Hope you enjoyed your day!

Family Photo Giveaway Contest!

2010-09-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by a Nike add I saw in a magazine at work a couple weeks ago. Lance Armstrong and other famous celebrities, athletes or business people donated their talent and/or services to help a good cause...fighting cancer.

I've donated my services twice this year so far...but I would like to do it again for a deserving family. This time I would like to donate it to a family who doesn't have the means to get family photos done. A family (or family member) that has gone above and beyond to do something good, help someone out, ignored their own well being....whatever the case may be. It could be you...or someone you know that you feel deserves something good done for them. I would like to hear your/their story. Send me a message on Facebook here or here or leave a comment on this blog post.

Winner will be announced on October 10th...10-10-10!!

(My family ~ Christmas 2009)

The winner will have 1 year to redeem their family photo session. Booking subject to availability. The family photo package includes:

1 hour session

Up to 6 people

(1) digital image of your favorite

(1) 11x14 print of your favorite

(2) 8x10 prints of your favorite

The winner will also need to give permission to share (all or some of their story) with the public on this blog and on Facebook.

Much love and good luck! <3

Cody & Tiffany...?

2010-09-06T22:39:00.000-07:00

Ok...I know I always talk about having weird dreams. But I really do! And I don't know why people (that I know) show up in my dreams. Sometimes I think it's because I was thinking about them earlier that day and those thoughts carried into my dreams...but sometimes it just total randomness.

Sooo, in last nights dream I was in a long line for an audition (1st acting dream!) and I started to freak out a little bit because I don't have my monologues completely memorized yet. But then someone reassured me that we would be doing cold readings with a few actors. Cool! I can improvise! My turn comes up and the casting directors and whoever else are sitting in a lunch bench type of seating vertically....not horizontally. I don't know...it's a dream so whatever. Then 2 beautiful, blonde female actors appear on either side of me and I am to improvise a commercial for some pink gum with them. When the ladies introduce themselves I figure out they are BOTH deaf! But both still talk really well...like Marlee Matlin. Understandable!

Me: "I'm sorry, what was that again?"

1st actor: "Cowy"

Me: "Cory?"

1st actor: "No, CO-DEE."

Me: "Ohh, CODY. Hi Cody. Michelle."

2nd actor: "I'm Tiffany."

Me: ...just nod...

And we did our skit and KILLED IT!!! When I looked into the audience of casting directors I see Jason's cousin Shy. And she looks so pissed at me. Like "WHY ARE YOU HERE?". Like I'm going to get her in trouble for auditioning or something. You know like the "family cannot participate type of stuff"?

What has really been buggin' me also was that I have NEVER remembered stranger's names from my dreams before. Why now?! It's been wiggin' me out all day thinking about this dream.

That's it...just needed to share it.

I LOVE Ellen DeGeneres!!!

2010-09-02T22:28:00.001-07:00

And I got tickets to her show for November 4th!!! I am so beyond stoked!! I've been trying to get tickets and FINALLY I get to go!! I received a call at work yesterday..."Hi Michelle. This is Courtney from the Ellen DeGeneres Show." I just about freaked out! I was instantaneously excited just to talk with someone from the show. "Are you still interested in going to the November 4th show?" HECK YES!!!

(Photo belongs to the Ellen DeGeneres Show)

Mental thought: "Oohh....maybe Robert Pattinson will be there too!!"

I love Ellen so much!! She is such a great person, funny, beautiful, caring and she NEVER fails to make me laugh. I feel like I know her. We should be friends.

This is one show I DO NOT stack up in my TiVo. She's like a daily dose of happiness. I smile the entire time I watch her show. Have you seen her show? It's freakin hilarious!! I love that she has her own DJ that plays music after her monologue (that she dances to!) and her skits are funny as heck! 'Bad Paid For Photos' Photos...Sumove It Move It...Know or GO!...are the best! You GOTTA watch her if you don't already!

Well, that is my rant about Ellen. Check out the bloggers after the November 4th show!!

More Headshot Favorites!

2010-08-28T11:34:00.001-07:00

Because there are so many...

I don't know why...but I kept biting my lip. Maybe that's my sexy look. LOL!

A friend of mine says I look like my Mom here...I love that...and my Mom. <3

I have to say, this was not one of my favorites when we picked it. I just wasn't seein' it. After I got back the final (edited) product. I (and Jason) were blown away. I am so glad I chose it...it is probably in my Top 5 Favorites now. I am so curious to see what other ones I was "wrong" about not choosing. ;( Does anyone want to buy my other headshots for me? Hahaha!

I originally wasn't going to wear this top to the shoot. My wardrobe was stressing me out. I had a few outfits but ended up staying in one. I was so comfortable. I raided Leilani's closet (that's bigger than my room) and she let me have this shirt...which I LOVE! Thank you Lei!

There were so many pictures I didn't buy...it was so hard to choose and narrow it down. That's why it took me so long to decide. It was difficult. This was a surprise from Kamee....and is now one of Jason's favorites.

Lastly is (I think) one of Kamee's favorites. I loved her windowsill idea. We shot in downtown Santa Ana and one of the buildings had these huge windowsills. The buildings were made of gorgeous brick. It was a great backdrop/setting!

I had so much fun! Thank you Leilani for doing my hair and make-up and just for being there. Thank you Kamee for your never ending commentary (which was hilarious and empowering), love and creativity for photography, and for being a real-cool-down-to-earth person. <3

Entry #4: Lights, Camera...Action?

2010-08-26T20:59:00.000-07:00

I know you've been anxious to see these...!!! My long awaited (sorry, it was difficult to decide) headshots! When I started researching photographers to do my headshots, I always had a particular/favorite in mind, even though I wasn't sure if she did headshots. After looking at DOZENS and DOZENS of "headshot" photographers...I consciously decided on Kamee June Photography. I have been following her photography, Facebook and blog for almost a year now and have been DYING to have some reason to use (hire) her. I knew it was the right decision from the get go. I felt it. Am I wrong?

The evening of the shoot, I (and my moral support big sis, Leilani) arrive late, but Kamee was as happy as a cucumber. She was immediately that person I felt I knew for years instead of minutes. Chatting up a storm on what my dreams and plans are...REALLY wanting to get to know me. It was awesome! And it made me feel so much more comfortable. You would think me being a photographer I would be a professional in font and behind the camera...but I was nervous. The pictures mean so much to me. And I am happy I trusted Kamee with them.

So now that I have my AH-MAZING headshots all done...it's about that time I need to start submitting my photos and (as I keep saying "non-existent) resume and pray that someone sees something in me. Pray that I get a chance to prove myself even though I have no experience...well, not none...but no professional/legit (after high school) experience.

Wish me luck, break-a-leg, pray, meditate for me, do it all...because I am going to DO IT...and I don't mind a little help along the way!!!

Backpack! Backpack!

2010-08-19T17:15:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wonder what people are doing when you see them? Where are they going? Where did they just come from? Who is that person in the car sitting with them? What are they talking about? Wonder what they do for a living?

I am SUCH a nosey person. But not in a negative way. I'm just so curious about what other people do. I see a young person in an expensive car..."Hmm, I wonder what they do for a living"...or I'll think "That HAS TO be Daddy's car! Why would a 20-something year old kid buy a BMW 750 Li? I would have totally bought the M5 if I had that kind of money!"....and I think about this stuff longer than I should. Do you do the same thing??

On the way to work, Jason and I see these two ladies walking just about EVERYDAY right by the Metrolink station in Rancho Cucamonga on Milliken. These ladies are always wearing backpacks. Hence the "Backpack! Backpack!". These backpacks add to my curiosity...more so than if they weren't wearing any. The questions enter my mind every time I see them..."Where are they going?" and "IF they are just exercising, would they really need backpacks?". And the days I don't see them "Hmm, I wonder where the 'Backpack Ladies' are?" Yes, we named them the "Backpack Ladies". And on those days we don't see them I wonder and hope they are OK. Weird or what??

Well, these ladies, who ever they are (more questions populating now) have consumed more of my mental thoughts than they should...so I had to share this information. Are you thinking about them now? Or do you have some stranger you see all the time that you wonder about...more than you should?

I wish I had a picture to show you. Maybe I'll snap one of them on the way to work...naaaahhh, that will definitely up the weirdness...to what?...stalker! Hahaha!

(Class of '99 Reunion last year...I won't comment on what we are doing...it's funnier without an explanation.)

Oh how time flies...

2010-08-07T22:38:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been 2 months since I last updated my blog. So much has gone on...I guess you don't notice the time going by...so fast! It's crazy! There so much I have to say, update, blab about...I just had to get this apology blog out of the way for neglecting my blog.

Bad Michelle!

Ok...I hope I can stay on track now...

Haven't Had Much to Blog About...

2010-06-07T21:43:00.000-07:00

But....I do have some upcoming "events"....coming up. I am in the process of having the Michelle Dudley Photography company logo created. Yay...finally!

(I never post Photo booth photos so here are a couple. Enjoy!)

Aaaaaaand, I am having my headshot done on Thursday evening with Kamee from Kamee June Photography. O-M-G! I am so excited you guys!!!! The ONLY time I have had professional photos of myself done was when Jason and I got married....6 years ago! Just like anything thing that is important to me...I am nervous for my photoshoot. AHHH! I don't know why....cuz it's im-po-tant! I just want to hurry up and be in front of the camera....I think I will finally be at ease when I am. I'm always nervous leading up to the day and then WOOSH...it's gone the day of "that important day".

Ya'll know me....I ain't shy! And I LOOOOOVE being captured on camera. LOL!

(Babysitting Makayla & Nate. They are addicted to iPhoto!)

So look out in the next few weeks for some sneak peeks of my photoshoot on my blog or on Kamee's (link above). :)

Love you! <3

We are Grandparents...again!!!

2010-05-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

My other love of my life, Dash...my wonderfully perfect, crazed, yapper Jack Russell knocked up the Chihuahua/Pug, Mojo, next door! Awwwww!

She couldn't resist him! Look at that DASHing devil! LOL! She squeezed her way through the fence and got in our yard and...Dash got her. Hahaha! Jason and I were sitting inside watching TV and we started to hear her cry...kind of yelping. "What is that?!" Jason and I ran outside and found the dogs "stuck" together! "OH CRAP! Well, at least Dash didn't jump over there."

Could it really happen the first time? Nah...HA! Sho' nuff!

Look how cute these Jackwawapugs are!!!!

My beautiful grandfurbabies are all spoken for! I wish I could keep one!! Stay tuned for more pictures of them in the next couple months. My babies are going to grow up!

P.S. We studded out Roscoe about 6 months ago but the dude never came back to show us our first grandfurbabies...how rude! :(

Entry #3: Lights, Camera...Action?

2010-05-21T19:41:00.001-07:00

On Friday I went down to Burbank to register as an extra. I told myself, "I gotta start somewhere!"...so on I went. Took a day off, woke up early, got a little "pretty-fied", drove down to Burbank (didn't get lost!) and registered with Central Casting.

It was interesting. Walked in about a half hour early...place was already full of people (just like me) wanting to "start somewhere". It was funny...or maybe it was just my mind playing tricks on me...or my inner conceited-ness...but everyone was staring at me! At first I was a little self conscious...

1) Slyly ran my hands through my hair: "Nope, not standing up"

2) Adjusted my shirt: "Nothin' poppin out"

3) Pulled up my pants: "My ass isn't hangin' out"

4) Looked at my face/make-up in the reflection picture frame in front of me: "Make-up's still perfect"

5) "Hell yeah! I must look GOOD today!". LOL!!!!

The registrar lady started to give her presentation and I double checked everything I need...and had. I herded myself in the line to register...popped my earphones in and listened to my iPod until it was my turn. I must have looked like loaner...actually NOT talking to someone. I was just so content there knowing I was doing SOMETHING to get me closer to my dream...I couldn't stop.....dreaming.

So my turn came up. I registered. Got in line to take a picture. Took my one picture (liked it!)...and was DONE! "I was nervous for THAT?!"...psshhh!

NEXT....official headshots in a few weeks (hopefully)...so excited!!!

BRING IT ON!!!

Driving Home Today...

2010-05-07T17:57:00.000-07:00

Silly Stuff I Like...
I had to work a little overtime today so I drove in earlier to work, separately from Jason. I'm not sure if this happens to you guys but, I have a little more fun when driving home with Jason...but in different cars. I keep staring at him through the rear view mirror...wondering if he's watching me. It's fun.
Background story: One time on our drive up to Truckee River for our family camping trip (which we haven't been to in FOREVER!)...we drove by a strip club in the middle of nowhere and his Uncle flashed on his turn signal for just a few seconds. Knowing we were not supposed to be turning...we look to the left and see the strip club. "Ohhh...I get it!" LOL!
So on the drive home today, I start coming up on an Audi I've been drooling over since they came out with the new body style and lights...OMG...I want it so bad! I flashed my turn signal just as I was passing it...and knew Jason would look to the right and see that car I want. I laughed to myself knowing that other people around us didn't know I was "talking" to my husband in the car behind me via my turn signal. Hahaha!

And once we get off the freeway, we have a nice 5 minute drive down Waterman to get to our house. I take one lane...Jason takes the other...occasionally driving past each other. Not really "racing" each other to get home...but still excited and giggly every time I pass him...or determined to pass him every time he passed me. Glancing to my left for a quick second to see if he was looking at me (which he never was)...but still excited at every light wondering if we would perfectly stop right next to each other (which we never did). LOL...it was like flirting with a cute stranger in the car next to you driving down a street but silly excitement knowing that his final destination was the same place as mine... <3

Entry #2: Lights, Camera...Action?

2010-05-06T17:53:00.000-07:00

Michelle Dudley Photography Facebook Page
So I did it! I've been thinking and wanting to start a facebook page for my photography and I finally did. There are so many things I put off...and this...this I cannot. My mind is set...and I have a different mindset on things.
I didn't get off the computer until after 2AM yesterday (Cinco de Mayo!) and definitely couldn't go to sleep right after that. I was so excited! Most of the people who "Like" my page have already seen my work and like/love it. So far I have 23 fans who "like" my page!! I'm waiting for a stranger to "like" it. What's all this "like, like, like"? It's a Facebook thing. They used to have a widget thingy called "Become a Fan"....now it just says "Like". It should have a "LOVE" button too. I would soooo OVER USE it! :)
And I have already done something totally wrong. I uploaded a ton of pictures in all the excitement of starting my page that I didn't put my Logo on them! YIKES! Big oops in the "professional" book but I will fix it soon. I'm just happy to put my photography "out there"!
I'm encased in a world of family and friends who think my photography is really good. There's still a little person inside of me doubting my abilities. "They're just biased". Does this happen to everyone? I mean...I know I'm good...but am I THAT good? I'm very self critical of my work...I expect "perfection"....or something close...at least. I was an assistant to a professional photographer for ONE day about five years ago. No formal training at all. I had a family member of one of my brides ask me if I went to school for photography. "Nope, I'm self taught". I guess that's where I base most of my doubts on. "If I went to school, would I be better?"...who knows. I ain't going! I've seen work from many very talented photographers who never stepped foot in a formal "class" to learn photography. I believe it has to be "in" someone. And I have seen "other" photographers work and can say I am not the worst. LOL! I have also seen some AH-MAZING work...yes, AH-MAZING!! It was refreshing (and comforting) to hear from a photographer I drool over....more or less doubting her potential/abilities when comparing herself to another (AH-MAZING) photographer (here's her blog post link [that's not working-just copy and paste into your browser]: http://www.jasminestarblog.com/index.cfm?postID=836&appreciate-yours). Like...super professional people do that too (insert any genre or work)?! I hope I don't in trouble for quoting her quoting her husband.... :)
"We all have our own unique abilities. Don't focus on what others can do, but, rather, what you can do to make yourself better. You taught yourself photography, and you're getting better each day...don't envy his work. Appreciate his work. And appreciate yours."

So if anything, I can grow through all of my experiences (and mess ups), continue to learn and teach myself; take criticism constructively (which I usually always do), continue to build myself, push myself, love myself (and my work) and express it through my photos.

Entry #1: Lights, Camera...Action?

2010-04-18T23:29:00.000-07:00

I've come to a point in my life...a crossroad I guess you can say...and I've gone off the deep end. For the good...I hope. LOL! I keep thinking back to the Jerry McGuire movie when Jerry had an epiphany and decided to write a mission statement. Is this my mission statement? Hmmm....

Over the past 2 years I've been getting increasingly unhappy at work. Wage freeze, layoffs, demanding management and wacked-out bonus system....to say the least. I've been having realizations that my 7-4 "job" is not what I want to do for my "career". I'm not saying this couldn't be a career...for someone...just not for me.

For the past 2 months, I've felt like there's something more out there for me. Well, I've always had a feeling...since I was little. I couldn't put my finger on it. I couldn't get it off the tip of my tongue. The problem was that I've forced it on the back burner, banished the idea as "crazy", convinced myself that stability and steady paycheck was the way to go, then let myself believe that I couldn't do it or that it was impossible to achieve and therefore...I was scared to even realize. Scared to disrupt this safe little "home" I've helped build. "Well, if I do what I want now, we'll lose everything we worked so hard for!". Realize that I'm not going to be happy unless I follow my heart.

I never though I could work in a cubicle all day long, everyday of the week. Over the past 8 years, I guess I have been fooling myself thinking I could. "How much did you give up your dream for?" ....a quote from Up In The Air was speaking directly to me when I watched it a few weeks ago. It really had me thinking..."Was title my dream job?"...."Oh hell no!"..."What is?" ...What did I give up in order to make a living? How did I convince myself that making more money was going to make me happy? More money was going to prove I was successful? More money was going to make me forget what I really wanted to do? No, it didn't. It wasn't. It couldn't.

As long as I can remember, I would always wish upon a star. As long as I can remember, it was always to win the Lotto. The earliest I can remember is when I was 9. My family was living in a Motel (in I think the city of Bell Gardens). It was just before we moved out to San Bernardino. It wasn't like a normal "Motel 6" type of motel. A lot of families lived there...maybe it was a motel turned into an apartment complex. It had kind of that feel. I was outside, it was dark...like the sun had been down a while already. I always stared at the sky waiting for a shooting star. That night I saw one and wished to win the Lotto. I can't remember why...what made a 9 year old wish that? I didn't really "know" we were poor until I was a few years older. Well, for the longest time, that was my wish every time I saw a shooting star "I wish to win the Lotto". Silly.

I always thought I would be rich. Like I was destined to "have" a lot of money and that I would come into it instantly. LOL!! I still have a similar feeling...only it's not to be rich. Well, maybe a little. But not that it will just come to me miraculously. I know now I have to earn it. Like everything else that Jason and I have....we've earned it. And that I am destined to be famous...for something.

Everyone knows I have an affinity for photography. It's something I have always loved. Capturing a moment that may have otherwise been forgotten, a certain expression or smile never to be repeated the same way ever again, a memory that would have only been described by words and never seen, bringing a feeling back to life by seeing something you have forgotten about. It's difficult to describe a photo and the depth of it's meaning. You catch my drift. I've always had a good memory. I often think, remember, reminisce about things so I don't forget them. This is one of the reasons why I remember so many dreams! I wish I could take pictures in my dreams! Ohh... that might not be good. Hahaha!

What not so many people know is that I've have also wanted to be an actor for a very long time. Being able to play someone you're not would be awesome. Being able to feel something by watching a movie that I know is not real...was amazing. "I know it's not real but I still cried?!" Haha! Oddly enough, my freshman year I was placed in Drama. I think I was accidentally placed in the advanced Drama class...it was intense. A pivotal point in my life (seriously) happened in Drama class one day. I was to act in a scene in which I am an emotional wreck after losing my husband. The scene was just supposed to play out with me talking to my "friend"...I think trying to cope with a recent loss. I couldn't get into character. Like, how could I when I had the whole class staring at me?! This was early on in the year...I hadn't learned much on how to develop a character or even method acting. Well, Mr. Walker (our wonderfully awesome Drama teacher) didn't like that I wasn't playing the character correctly. He stormed up to the stage yelling at me. Really yelling! Obviously, I started to cry; totally embarrassed! No, mortified! I was just humiliated in front of my entire class. I couldn't stop crying. I could barely open my eyes with all the tears pouring out. "Now do it again!". What? I have to do my lines again? I can't. But I couldn't say that...he would yell at me again. So I did the scene...still crying. Barely able to deliver my lines...it was horrible. After my skit was done, I sat down in my chair in the front of the class and tried to hide my face...and trying to calm myself so I wouldn't start crying again. When the bell rang I tried to rush out of class. Mr. Walker stopped me to give me kudos on my skit. The only reason he yelled was to get me into character. "Really?!" HA! I should have hated him for it...but I was thankful. I understood. Lesson learned. How could acting out a scene be more humiliating than that day? It was fun after that. Throughout high school we had guest speakers. Actors in the business who would come and talk to us about...whatever. The main thing I remembered was the "rejection"of the business. The rejection scared me. It brought me back to my freshman year when I was "humiliated". Rejection was humiliating...so I didn't pursue acting.

Fast forward 10 years. Now that I have realized what my dream job...or jobs are. I know what I need to do. I know it's not going to be easy. I know it's not going to be stable. I know it's going to put a strain on our relationship...and our bank account. And I still want it. I know I won't be (completely) happy if I don't go after what I truly want to do. And even now, I still think it's crazy. Silly. But I don't care. Or I care enough that I don't care...about rejection or what people think anymore. I just hope it's not too late...for me.

Sooo...I'm taking you all on a journey with me. This is Jason's idea! We just watched Julie & Julia. Great movie by the way...if you haven't seen it! She blogged her way through cooking Julia Child's cookbook. I will blog my way through (hopeful) stardom...lol...see, sounds silly, right?

P.S. I still look up in the sky and wait on a shooting star....except now, I don't wish to win the Lotto. I wish for something that is more important to me. Happiness.

This is Entry #1 of my "Lights, Camera...Action?" journey. Wish me luck....and a broken leg! <3M

Wedding: Manda & Matt

2010-04-18T21:58:00.000-07:00

Super stoked!! How else could I explain photographing my close friend's wedding??

I have "known" Amanda since high school. We lost touch with each other after she graduated in 1998 only to be reunited (and it feels so good) by Facebook and mutual friend, Heather. It seems as though we never lost contact. You know how you have those certain friends who you seem to pick up right where you left off? That was Manda and I.

Amanda is a very caring and compassionate person. Seeing her with the people she loves and cares for leaves no doubt that she's a genuinely good person. She's also a no nonsense type of gal. She's speaks the truth....what's on her mind...even if it's what you don't want to hear. It's one of the many things I love about her.

And Manda was going to marry Matt. The first time I met Matt was the day I photographed them for the 1st time about a year ago for a couples shoot (see a few pics here: Amanda & Matt). He was very quit...almost shy, but not. Just quit. After a while I could tell this wasn't the normal Matt; his few spurts of goofiness shown through whenever he would say "Cheesy poofs" just before I took a picture. The Matt I know now...let's say, is much less...reserved. Haha! That's a good word, right Matt? LOL!

The wedding turned out to be lovely...and very intimate. The ceremony was supposed to be outside but the beautiful windy weather of Beaumont thought otherwise. So the ceremony was moved inside the morning of and guests watched the ceremony from their reception seats.

Oh! One of the coolest things also happened...at the last minute the bride and groom hired an officiant (instead of having a family member marry them), who turned out to be the SAME officiant that married Jason and I (6 years ago). It was crazy! I just about flipped!

All in all, the wedding day turned out to be very eventful (to say the least, right Manda?) and everything turned out great! I want to thank Manda & Matt for letting me capture your wedding day and for being the great people you are. You are beautiful, good, loving and some of the coolest people I know. I wish you guys the best marriage and a happy and fun life-long friendship together!

Lost Without My Blackberry!

2010-01-31T20:34:00.000-08:00

Is it only me or do you feel lost without your cell phone? OK. I know it sounds crazy but I am victim of technology.

While visiting my nephews and sister-in-law (Kimm) a few weeks ago, I plugged in my dying Blackberry at their house while I visited. When I was leaving, Kimm and the kiddos were leaving also to do some running around. When I realized I left my phone there I immediately got worried. The worst thoughts come to mind of course.

What if I get in an accident? Or I witness and accident and can't call 911? What if I run out of gas? Or get a flat tire? Or get lost? Or get mugged? Or carjacked? Or just need to ask someone a question and I can't because my cell phone is also my house phone? What if I need to tell Jason something and am scared I am going to forget before I talk with him? What if that "famous person" finally calls me and I don't have my phone on me? What do I do when I am bored and can't check Facebook? LOL!

I used to have ALL of my friends phone numbers memorized. Totally not possible now. I don't even have my parents, in-laws or best friends numbers memorized. I know very few numbers by heart now...and they are not all important ones (Mimi's, Wongs, childhood best friend who now lives in Tennessee with a different number, my old house number, 867-5309). LOL!

I was without my phone approximately 36 hours and it was just awkward! I hated it! I could not live WAY BACK when people's only source of communication was face to face...or snail mail. I love texting, checking my FB, taking pictures with my phone, having an alarm clock away from the bed, Internet away from the computer, having a notepad to write down ideas and thoughts, a calendar to remind me what I NEED to be doing RIGHT NOW so I can hit snooze and it remind me again in 5 minutes, talking to family and friends at the click of a button (technically: click, scroll, click) and HA! communication!

Sooo....I can't really say victim of technology if I like (love) it right? I'll just say I don't like being without my lovely, trusty Blackberry Pearl.

(To Die For Clothing shoot 12-31-07...)

Engagements: Amanda & Matt

2010-01-11T00:29:00.000-08:00

December 27, 2009

I was so happy to hear that one of my best friends got engaged because I knew I would be doing their engagements....and that of course, she'll be getting married!

The day started off at their new house in Beaumont. The very first photo I took ended up being one of my favorites!

This one of my favorite fish-eye shot so far!

(Shane is such a cute dog!)

(Ya see that rock?!)

(Exact spot of their first date)

I can't wait to do your guys' wedding! And then maternity photos...and then family photos...and then, and then, and then!

Love you M&M! <3

Christmas @ San Bernardino 2009!

2010-01-10T23:12:00.000-08:00

Our 2nd Christmas destination was the Long house to celebrate with Jason's "Mom's" side. First we exchanged gifts without immediate family (minus Kaleb who was with his Mom by this time)...

(Blake opening his gift)

(Susan was so happy to get new jeans from Josh & Kimm)

(I made Josh & Kimm a calendar with photos I have taken throughout the years of them. Kimm's reaction was awesome! Made all the effort in creating it well worth it!)

Last year we start a new tradition with doing the White Elephant gift exchange which was a HIT!! This year we were all expecting another "joke" gift but no. Trevor surprised us with a decent gift. I think because his girlfriend was there! Oooooooh!

(Aunt Terry opening up her White Elephant gift...Snuggies!!!)

(Cutest little boy there!!! <3)

This last picture was my favorite of the night! So cute!

Once again, Christmas was AWESOME this year!!

Christmas @ Beaumont 2009!

2010-01-10T22:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas was AWESOME this year!!!! Jason and I were so THANKFUL to celebrate with all of our family and friends. We've had a rough 2nd half of the year and luckily things have turned for the better and everyone is healthy and HERE still!!!

Since Jason started coaching wrestling, he works a different shift than me and also comes home later than me. We bought our Christmas Tree on a Sunday afternoon so when we got it home we had just enough time to put the lights on it before we started dinner. Then Monday started and I could have decorated it without him....but that would have sucked. So, we just never got around to it since we didn't have much time together before or after dinner. It was actually very nice. It was a beautiful tree. The Angel and my brother's gift card were enough. LOL!

Christmas is always celebrated in at least 2 places for us. Below are picture from our celebrations in Beaumont with "my' side:

(Nephew Aaron)

(Lil bro Matt & niece Tiana)

(Niece Dacia)

(Big sis Leilani)

(My Dad, Augusto Sr...and his new Buck Knife. He was SO happy!)

(My Mom, Cheryl...while she was getting ready in her new outfit!)

(My lil sis, Adriana BEFORE she got ready...lol)

This picture was taken about 1.2 seconds after I opened one of my gifts....a Nikkor fish-eye lens that Jason, Leilani & Kevin got me!! I LUVVVVV IT!!!

(My sexy husband getting ready to have a Nerd...I mean Nerf War with Matt...LOL!)

We were having so much fun testing out my new lens. The kids loved the way the pictures came out. Some of them were pretty funny, especially this one of Aaron:

It is always so difficult to get a picture of my entire family dressed decently...meaning someone is not still in their PJ's. So this last one has to be my favorite:

Merry Christmas Rios Family! Love you guys!! <3

Christmas Eve @ San Diego 2009!

2010-01-10T21:44:00.000-08:00

Every Christmas Eve we go down to San Diego to celebrate with our San Diego family. It's always a great time. I wish we could go down there more often. We say that every year but this year we really will. One of our New Years resolutions is to "Follow Through". We will follow through we what we say, what we want to FINALLY do, what we HAVE TO do, etc. So visiting our family (and friends) is on our To Do List this year...among hundreds of other things!

Every year we also do the money giveaway and White Elephant gift exchange down in SD. It is always so much fun...and everyone is in the giving spirit! I love it!!

(Aunt Melinda Appling & Fred (and some cousins) above/ Carlos, Brett, Dayna, Mikey & Adrian below)

Aunt Melinda Dudley found a place that has BOMB pancit!!!! We've had it a few years now and I always look forward to it. I have a recipe Jason's Mom gave me I just never have time to cook...or when I do have time I don't have all the right stuff for it. Another one on my To Do List....finally make pancit! LOL!

All in all, Christmas Eve was a blast!! We got to see all of our cousins...some we can't remember their names....or who they belongs too...LOL!!!...but it was great to see everyone. We'll be down there soon so we'll see you soon San Diego (Linda Vista) family!!! Love you guys!! <3

Wrestling Season Has Begun!!!

2010-01-02T21:00:00.000-08:00

So, as most of you know...Jason was offered and accepted an Assistant Coach position for the Colton High School Wresting Team. It's been a crazy couple months so far! The season started November 1st and Jason has fell in love with coaching. He knew he would. Especially "his" sport. Coaching our nephew's T-Ball team was such a relief for Jason mentally...and he had fun. Coaching T-Ball was special time he (we) had with Kaleb...not to mention Josh, Kimm and Blake.

I don't know if ya'll know but for some reason, kids LOVE Jason. I get jealous sometimes. LOL! I just think it's because he has no shame to get down on the floor and color with Makayla or act goofy just to entertain his nephews. He's genuine through and through...I think kids can see that. AHHH....I can't wait to have our "own" kids!!! :)

It sucks to not commute to work together anymore (since my boss wouldn't let me change my shift ONE HOUR for only 4 MONTHS...don't get me started!)...but it's cool to talk with Jason when he gets home about how he thinks this or that kid is doing better...or "I think they are actually listening to me babe!"LOL! It's cute to see Jason excited about a job. Excited about helping kids in not only their sport...but with school also. If they don't have the grades...they can't play sports. He's trying to be a good coach for these kids. It's awesome!

The kid in the picture above (in maroon) is great! Jason sees a lot of talent in this kid. Notice the BRIGHT red and yellow shoes?? OMG! So...when Jason finds out he's been wrestling in borrowed shoes, Jason talks to the kids Dad and asks how much he can afford to spend on new wrestling shoes. The Dad says about $40 or $50 bucks. Cool....Jason said he'll find him a nice pair of shoes and pay the difference. Jason fell in LOVE with these ugly red and yellow shoes and swore up and down the kid will love them. I was like "I don't know. Did you ask him what colors he might like?" Jason said "He said bright colors"...I was like "Yeah, but that's real bright!"...LOL!!! Well, he got 'em....and the kid LOVED THEM!!! Geez...I don't know what it is with these guys. The Dad was able to pay $50 bucks so we only paid $35 bucks. Oh yeah...and the kid ended up winning his weight class at the Colton Classic wrestling tournament. Ahhh! So awesome!!!

Jason gets INTO IT!! He almost loses his voice after every tournament. He's really passionate about wrestling. I always tell him I wish I would have been able to see him wrestle in high school. He said "You had your chance"....LOL!!! Background story: The first time I met Jason was at a wrestling match at my high school...but since I didn't "know" him...I didn't pay attention to his match. I was watching my other friends match. I have video tapes somewhere of Jason. Hahahaha!

But, coaching has really had a positive effect on him. It's really cool. And if you wanted to know...the kid in the above picture won. :)

Family Fun in November!!

2009-11-28T23:32:00.000-08:00

November has been such a busy month....and it went by SO FAST! Here are a few family photo shoots I did earlier this month! I had so much fun....I usually always do but it's even more fun when its with my friends. :)

Spalding Family

She is so beautiful!!

I think this one will impress the ladies. LOL!

The day after...

Heather, Jace & Martin

Heather is one of my closest friends and I was super stoked to take pictures for her again (<3>

THE cutest couple I know! Like...sick cute! LOL!

Not to mention one of the cutest little boys IN "THA" WORLD! :)

Later that day...

Beverly and family!

Another cute couple!

And their OH SO CUTE pup came along too!! I want one!!!

I love this job!!!

Kaleb's 1st Soccer Game!

2009-10-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

September 19, 2009 (I think!)

For those of you who don't know, Kaleb is playing soccer! I'm not a big soccer fan but seeing all these little kiddos play...definitely keeps me interested. Especially when the cutest kid on the field is MY nephew!

I was very surprised that the kids didn't get frustrated and pick up the ball with their hands. I was waiting for one of those cute moments when one of the kids did something wrong (but cute) but for the most part..they played to the rules.

Kaleb is #3 on the Snake Eyes team. Their tiny uniforms are so cute!

Look at those moves!

At the end of the games the parents create a tunnel the kids run through...what do you call this?...I"m sure there's a name for it. Well, the kids go crazy for it!

And here's one of the cutest fans that came out to support the Kaleb...his little bro Blake!

GOOOOO CHARGERS!!!!

2009-10-18T12:26:00.000-07:00

September 20, 2009

1st Charger game of the year for us was fun...and disappointing! They lost again! My 2nd Chargers game...2nd loss. :(

We always have a good time tailgating though...win or lose. We got to the stadium around 11, set up and started drinking (Pepsi for me). Dave and his buddy (forgot his name) came along with us. They were entertaining!

We played the Baltimore Ravens. Close to where we were tailgating the Ravens fans set up camp. It's always funny listening to all the crap talking people were doing as they walked by. Even this old man started talking crap to them. It was funny!

I don't know what was up with their purple pimp hats. LOL!

We thought this was pretty cool! Military men held the flag as 3 stealth bombers flew over. I get chills every time!!

That's a fan! This is one of the Charger's old logos. I wouldn't mind getting a little Charger bolt. Maybe soooonnnnn! :)

Hopefully this is the 1st of 3 games we will go to this year. We have tickets for 11/29 and Dave wants to road trip to Dallas for the match up against the Cowboys on 12/13 in their new stadium!! The game is already sold out so we have to buy tickets from people trying to sell them...at an increased price of course! That should be an all around adventure!!!

Kaleb's 6th Birthday! Wow!

2009-10-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

September 1, 2009

It's crazy to think that Kaleb is already 6 YEARS OLD! I remember the day Josh told us that he was going to be a Daddy. It was weird. It was actually great news given that Grandma Hooper had just passed away.

"For death begins with life's first breath And life begins at touch of death."
- John Oxenham

We celebrated Kaleb's birthday at his restaurant of choice...Old Spaghetti Factory. Jason and I haven't been there in over 5 years! The food was actually better than I remember. Good choice Kaleb! :)

He is getting so big. Hopefully he's tall like his Dad, Josh, and not like his Uncle Jason. LOL! And he is very smart. We knew he was going to be smart. At an early age he picked up his ABC's, numbers and colors very quickly. His memory is amazing! I remember Jason and I taking him to Alfredo's 2 or 3 years ago and he started singing one of the songs and knew every word of the sing...better than Jason and I. He definitely impressed us and the waitress. LOL!

And YOU KNOW he's a HUGE Charger's fan! Josh and Kimm got him this hat. It is so cute! I think Jason wanted to borrow it. LOL! We got him the usual boring gift...LOL...clothes. We love buying kids clothes now. We used to always buy toys. Now it's usually clothes and 1 toy. We wanted to take him to Disneyland but Josh and Kimm already had plans to take him so we will just tag along. Hopefully if things go well, we can take him to his FIRST Chargers game on November 29th! We got the tickets already...just waiting on the "OK" from his Mom!!!!! I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KALEB!!!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!

Tommy Vargas Fight: Primm Casino in Vegas

2009-10-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

August 22, 2009

When Jason and I found out Tommy was fighting in Vegas, we had to make a nice long weekend out of it. We (not so easily) found babysitters for the dogs and took Thursday and Friday off for a much needed 4 day weekend. Besides the normal weekend or Monday Holidays, Jason and I hadn't taken any days off since our vacation in May. Yeah...all this vacation time we get...we need to start taking it.

So after work on Wednesday we headed up to Primm. We didn't do much on Thursday, just relax and get some SLEEP! Friday was weigh-in day for Tommy.

(Taken from my phone)

Tommy was in great shape. The Brazilian...was in great shape too. Aren't they always? LOL!

Our seats were pretty good but Tommy's girl knew one of the guys in charge of events and was able to get 2nd row seats for us. This is the closest I've been to a fight (besides on the ring when I was taking pictures for one of Tommy's other fights). I couldn't enjoy the fight when I was working it. :(

Tommy looked ready for the fight. Beto (brother) is one of his corner men (you can barely see his forehead in this pic. LOL!).

The fight started off great....for both fighters. Tommy caught him with a few good hits and the Brazilian returned some before taking him to the ground (no stand up game from this guy).

He caught Tommy in a few good submission attempts and eventually won by split decision. :( So far the Vargas brother have both been defeated by damn Brazilians. Damn Brazilians!! LOL!

Tommy is now 5-1. Next fight is October 22nd!

SGHS 10 Year Reunion!!!

2009-10-17T21:19:00.000-07:00

September 26, 2009

It's funny to think I have already been out of school 10 years! I remember thinking what it would be like to be an "adult" and not living under my parents roof. LOL! It sure doesn't seem like 10 years.

Through Facebook and Myspace, a handful of my old ASB crew members (including our Senior Class Prez) tried to spread the word out that our reunion was coming up. I was surprised at how much of a turnout we had. The economy hasn't been all that great to us lately. After 10PM the reunion was open to everyone that didn't RSVP. I think we had a total count of about 60 guests (plus or minus). It was great!

Kapua and I photographed while mingling. It was fun!

Old friends showed up, friendships found again through FB and friends that have been there since high school. Seeing reunions on TV totally are not what are really like. LOL! No one bragged about their jobs, money, cars, houses, everyone's ego was in check....everyone was cool.

Romy & Michele's High School Reunion didn't prepare me for how much fun I was going to have. LOL!!!!

I've always though our class (99!) had something different than the others. We were the last class of the century.

Felirose and Beverly provided many laughs for the evening.

Vinh delivered a nice speech to our classmates and a toast to the ones who couldn't be with us.

We partied like it was 1999. LOL!

We created memories while remembering the old ones.

Ultimately our reunion was a HUGE success. Thank you to everyone involved in the planning! I wonder what our next one will be like...

Wedding: Lisa & David

2009-10-15T22:54:00.000-07:00

September 25, 2009

Lisa & David may not seem like the perfectly matched couple. Lisa...a very petite 5 foot nothin....and David...a very tall and proud 6 foot somethin! Don't know the exacts... :)

BUT...they compliment each other so very well...and are so stinkin cute together!

Here are a few from their very special day...

This last picture makes me laugh! LOL! These are good friends of the bride...and groom! :)

I May Be Going Out of Order...

2009-10-15T22:46:00.000-07:00

What can I say...I've been slacking...kind of. I've been the most sick, worried, stressed, pissed, distracted, busy and just plain spent more than I have been...in a very very long time. I truly understand "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!"...definitely! And who ever started the "Everything comes in threes" BS...jinxed everyone in the entire world by saying that. LOL!

Hopefully in the next few days I'll catch you up on The Dudley's happenings in the past 2 months. Like I said...I may be a little out of order but...I need to start somewhere... :)

Shoe Donation!

2009-08-18T22:42:00.001-07:00

Growing up, our families didn't have much. From personal experience, there were certain things me and my siblings couldn't do (in school) because we couldn't afford it. During my 8th grade year, I was LUCKY enough to be a cheerleader (sounds funny but it's true!). I remember my Mom bringing the final payment down on my cheerleading uniform the day before our first pep rally so I could cheer...in uniform! Would I be the person I am today if I didn't cheer? Really?! Would I? You guys know how I am!

Leilani, my big sister, was the lucky recipient of a pair of shoes this same year (Freshman year at San G) from her running coach, Andrea Johnson (best coach EVA!). A small donation like that did so much! My sister ended up being the #3 runner on the team, winning TONS of awards in cross country, going to state and even getting a scholarship for college and being the first person in my immediate family to graduate COLLEGE! Would this have happened if Coach Johnson didn't donate those shoes to her? If she didn't see something in Leilani?

Jason and I don't put it past anyone that they can become someone great and achieve their goals....no matter what type of upbringing they came from.

SO....I could not hold it any longer!!!!!!

Jason and I took on a little project that we received SO MUCH help on. We've been running at Jason's high school's track during the week (Pacific High School - San G's rival...ugh! lol!). While we were there last week (maybe 2 weeks ago), we ran into the cross country coach, Ryan Sack, who happens to be a fellow classmate of Jason's. He is conducting the PHS Cross Country team summer practice now and we noticed some of the runner's were wearing Vans, Sketchers or regular everyday shoes...to train in! Jason and I both thought it would be cool to sponsor a FEW kids on the team that need help.

WELL, we were just going to buy a few pairs of shoes for the "needier" kids on the team but Jason made a call to Leilani, who is STILL RUNNING strong in Orange County. She is a part of the South Coast Road Runners, a Snail's Pace Running Club. GREAT PEOPLE! I swear I LOVE them ALL!!! Leilani put the word out about what Jason and I were doing and she and her wonderful peeps donated a total of 86 pairs of new and "new to you" running shoes.

(I could cry just thinking about it!)

86 PAIRS OF SHOES!!!!! We didn't expect such a response. It was amazing!!!

So, today we went down to Pacific, laid out all the shoes and one by one...outfitting MOST of the team with new and "new to you" pairs of shoes and racing flats (very useful!). There were some girls and ONE guy that didn't find the right fit which Jason and I will be buying NEW pairs of shoes for. We couldn't leave anyone out!

We had about 30-40 pairs of shoes leftover that we will be donating to San Gorgonio High School (GO SPARTANS!!!) NEXT WEEK!!! I'm super stoked to do it all over again. No one could wipe the smile off our faces today. All of the kids were very thankful (which was awesome!). Some kids said it many times which makes us feel like some needed it and really appreciated our efforts to help.

I had to post one more picture of Coach Ryan's CUTE pup Coco! She was so adorable!!!

Kristi & Jason's Wedding: Sneak Peek!

2009-08-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

Kristi was ready to get this day started. Ms. Calm, Cool and Collected getting her make-up done.

Look at those eye lashes! ;)

The shoes!

OOOOH...the bouquet!

The guys were so fun...and funny!

More to follow...

I'm 28!!!!

2009-08-01T23:12:00.000-07:00

"Aged to Perfection" is what the sign above my cubicle said. I would have to agree 100%. LOL!

Taking the advise of one of my best friends, Rox, Jason and I had a BBQ for my birthday. We had so much fun on the 4th of July (below) that we decided a BBQ would be better than a boring dinner at (insert your favorite restaurant name here). And it was...THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME!!! For those who couldn't make it, I missed you and I'll see you soon! <3

(Can you believe my cake??? Thank you Kapua from SKG Delicacies!!!)

I had some of the cutest guests. This is Jacob!

Nolan!

My cuter than cute nephew, Blake!

SOME more of my friends and loved ones...same thing!

Jenny!

Blakers Mommy, Kimm!

Makayla, Tiana, Dacia and Nate!

Lisa! Soon to be Mrs. Vessup!

My seester, Leilani!

My WONDERFUL cake and ME and all my 28 candles!!

<3<3<3

4th of July Was Awesome!

2009-07-31T22:56:00.000-07:00

Again, the Dudley's and Wilburn's hosted the 4th of July festivities at our house. And again, a TON of people showed up. It was GREAT! Jason bought 50 lbs of meat. 50!!!! We save some money by cooking the food ourselves and my Mom even borrowed a blow up waterslide and jumper from one of her clients...for FREE! We saved so much money there!

We also had a water balloon toss for the kids again. They loved it last year so we had to do it again. CHEAP entertainment...water...ballons...LOL!

Aaron was not happy that he lost at the balloon toss. :(

I didn't get to take very many pictures because I was cutting up 50 lbs of meat for carne asada and chicken tacos with Roxanne. Our hands hurt by the time we were done cutting.

We probably had enough fireworks to blow up our tiny house...luckily we didn't! And thankfully everything went off smoothly and as they should.

We even had the Dudley Family from San Diego come down again, including Jason's Dad which we love visiting with. Jason is so much like her Dad (personality wise) it's funny. We had family there, new friends show up and old friends who we knew would be there. Getting everyone together like this is the reason why we love this holiday so much.

MORE FIREWORKS!

(Pepsi!)

Since one of my best friends wasn't able to make it, I promised her I would take a drink for her. Here's the evidence. The first picture is funny! That's round 1. 2nd picture is round 2. LOL!

And last but not least....the fireworks were amazing! The last picture is so COOL! You can see how much the neighborhood was lit up when the fireworks went off!!

These were WAY up there!

Looks a little scary!

This is one of my favorites from the night!

Love Isn't Enough...

2009-07-15T17:17:00.000-07:00

Love Isn't Enough

Study identifies factors that impact the outcome of marriages.

Posted by Jeri_at_Health on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 5:08 AM

Looking for love? Society and culture tell us that love cures all and that to be truly happy, we need to find the one who "completes us." Look at Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, or Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks (who's apparently no longer "Sleepless in Seattle"). And once we find love, we marry and then it’s bliss. Right?

Well, researchers from the Australian National University report that love isn’t what will make us live "happily ever after." The study, "What’s Love Got to Do with It," followed 2,500 couples (married or living together) for six years to see which couples stayed together and why.

Here's a rundown of factors that played a significant role in whether those marriages lasted or failed:

Blending families—20 percent of marriages with kids from prior relationships end in divorce.
Second/third marriages—90 percent of these couples are likely to separate or divorce.
Age—If a man is under 25 when he marries or if he’s nine or more years older than his wife, he’s twice as likely to get a divorce than a man who is older than 25 or closer in age to his wife.
Desire to have children—If the women has a much stronger desire to have kids than her spouse, the marriage is not likely to succeed.
Relationship status of parents—If couples come from separated or divorced parents, 17 percent were headed toward the same result, as compared to 10 percent who come from stable homes.
Smoking—Relationships in which only one person smokes is also a factor toward failure.
Money—The root of all evil? Well not exactly, but 16 percent of self-reported "poor" relationships in which the man was unemployed ended in separation or divorce. Only 9 percent of couples who had a healthy bank account went south.

Is there anything that won't send us to divorce court? The study identified these as non-issues in the success or failure rates of those studied:

How many kids a couple has
Whether or not the wife is employed
Number of years the couple is employed

Another study, published in the journal Motivation and Emotion, revealed that photos of your spouse in his or her high school yearbook can tell you a lot about whether your marriage will survive. The study ranked the intensity of a person’s smile in the photos and then compared those scores to marriage success. Those with strong smiles (in the top 10 percent) had not divorced. For those in the bottom 20 percent of smilers, 25 percent had divorced. While this seems a bit far-fetched to me, psychologists claim that those with a generally happy disposition had better success rates in marriage. (I guess it's too bad for those folks who may have been dumped by a boyfriend or girlfriend or missed the bus on photo day.)

In the examination of marriage and relationships, other studies have suggested that we may be predestined to fail or succeed. For example, researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm reported on the ‘bonding gene’—a gene modulating the hormone vasopressin, which was strongly tied to how well men fare in marriage. The study suggests that if a man has more vasopressin in the brain, the more likely he'll want to stick with his partner.

While a lot of these factors contributing to success or failure seem like common sense, many of us still ignore the obvious hurdles (kids, prior divorces, age differences) and follow the strong scent of love instead. The so-called love hormone factors in, bringing a whole system of pleasure into play, and we forgo logic and reason for romantic love.

The reasons we are drawn to another person are sometimes curious. Factor in the realities of life and the journey involved in a relationship, and the reasons we stay together are even more mysterious and complicated.

I love these surveys...LOL!

Daddy's 50th Birthday!

2009-07-04T00:02:00.000-07:00

YES! I still call my Dad "Daddy" and probably always will. Jason thinks it's funny. Whatever. LOL!

US older siblings secretly planned a surprise birthday party for my Dad who turned 50 on June 16th! He has never had a big birthday party for himself and it was about time. Aisha (sis-in-law), Augusto, Leilani and I started planning about a month ago. I didn't realize my Dad was turning 50 until his sister...my Tia Juanita...called and asked if we were doing anything for his 50th! I was like "Oh crap!".

The wonderful planners that we are...threw everything together the last minute and the party was a SUCCESS!!! My Day was surprised but he said he kind of thought something was going on. I guess my Mom was on the phone all the time leading up to the party and she never is. He thought it would be the weekend of his birthday (Father's Day weekend) but Leilani had her yearly banquet with her running club so we moved it to June 27th...so he was still surprised. :)

(My Dad showed up in his work uniform. LOL!!!)

We handed out invites at my Tio Frank's 70th birthday last month knowing everyone was going to be there. My brother also called my Dad's long time friend of 30 years ("JJ") to come to the party..which he did! My Dad was so happy. I think he was surprised at who showed up and the "spread' we put on for him. It was great!

My brother provided the house (new!), canopy, tables, chairs and jumpers (the kiddos loved!) and helped Leilani with the music for the night.

(Even my Grandma joined in the booty shakin'!)

Leilani provided the music via her "sooped" up Airbook and DJ program...which was pretty awesome...and my brother's lovely speakers (he's a "base" head....BOOM BOOM BOOM). My family loves to dance so you know we did! Leilani put together a cool compilation of 70's and 80's music that our parents LOVE...during their "hay days". LOL! And a little mix of our current favorites. The music was awesome! Thanks Lei!

(The litle blue alien was the only think not edible)

I provided the balloons (that we didn't use!), chicken (my fav!) and the cake/cupcakes! My Dad is a HUGE Star Trek fan! I hate it because that's all we ever watched when we were kids because we only had one TV and we watched whatever Daddy was watching! UGH! I hated it! I catch myself watching it once in a great while because it reminds me of my Dad. WELL, a good friend of mine...and fellow class of 99er.. is trying to get her bakery company going and of course I asked her to make his cake. She made Jason's birthday cupcakes also which were a HIT! So, I had NO IDEA what the cake should be: flavor, filling, theme?? Clueless! Kapua, being the great beaker she is...suggested going with something he's "into" instead of the traditional "Over the Hill' theme. The idea was AWESOME! My Dad LOVED LOVED LOVED his cake and cupcakes. She mad the cake above and cupcakes below. Hahaha! It was so great to see my Dad's face when I opened up the cake box. "Live long and prosper!" LOL! Perfect!

My little sister Adriana was turning 22 on June 29th so I had Kapua make her some cupcakes too...which I requested the DAY BEFORE...and she pulled through! They were so CUTE! Adriana coincidentally wore purple also!

(I love her freckles!)

So, the party turned out great! The cake and cupcakes were AMAZING!!! Really...they were so good. I'm not just advertising her because she's my friend...her cakes are seriously to die for! YUM! If I'm throwing a party, I'm only buying Kapua's cakes (SKG Delicacies!). If you need her, let me know!

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY DADDY and HAPPY 22ND ADRIANA!!!

A little behind...

2009-06-22T20:50:00.001-07:00

Yeah yeah yeah...Jason and I have been busy. There's been so much going on! So here's a small recap!

Just before we left for vacation, Blake turned 1!!! I can't believe how fast the time goes by. He's so cute and getting so big and has such a personality. I love it!

Josh and Kimm had a nice party for him at their house. The food was provided by Kimm's Mom which is always delicious! Mmm!

While on vacation Jason, Roxanne, Mikey, Becky and I did the canopy adventure. It's always fun. I think this was our 2nd one! It is a WORKOUT man! We rode donkey/horseback (not sure what it's called- lol!) up to a certain point and then we hiked the remainder way up the side a hill so we can zip line down. The whole hike up is worth the ride down. It's so cool!

(I beat Jason!)

Beto had another fight with Bellator at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario on June 5th.

His fight was the best one all night long. Even better than the main event fight. Even though he lost (which he should have won!) we had a great time. We know Beto will get another chance to fight again for them. He's a a great fighter!

Next, we celebrated the kids T-Ball season with a picnic and trophies! The picnic was FUN! Kimm organized games and of course the kids participated but so did the parents. I think we had a great team this year and awesome parents! It was great how much they participated in everything! I took pictures throughout the season and I compiled pictures of each kid and put them on a CD for each of the parents. I really hope they liked them! It was the least I could do after backing out of being Tam Mom. Sorry Kimm! Next season!

Kimm surprised the coaches with COOL plaques and baseballs with all the kids names on them written by each kid. It was pretty great! Jason wanted a ball with all the kids names so he was pretty stoked. He even got a baseball case for it.

Isn't that cool?!!!

Class of 2009!!!

2009-06-21T17:15:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe it's been 10 years since I graduated. Well, the last of the Dudley (1st) cousins graduated this year...10 years after I did. Brett graduated from Scripps Ranch High School in San Diego on Monday (6/15/09). Graduation on a Monday?? Well, Jason and I had to change our shift at work in order to make the drive all the way out there in time for the graduation. 4 hours of sleep is not fun on a Monday!

The graduation ceremony was held at the Cox Arena at San Diego State University. They were short and sweet. It probably only lasted an hour and 15 minutes. It went by quick!

(Adrian, Melinda, Brett, Terry, Carlos & Mikey)

After the graduation there was a little get together for Brett at their uncle's house down the street from the college. It was nice. I remember in high school our Grad Night was a week or two before graduation. I guess in San Diego they do it the right way because Brett had to leave the party around 9:30 to go to his.

Since we had to work the next morning still, we left a little after Brett did. I actually didn't fall asleep on the way home like I usually do! I was proud of myself. Any trip longer than 30-45 minutes...I'm knocking out. I must have been one of those babies that fell asleep on any kind of car ride somewhere.

It was nice seeing our family in San Diego. We don't see them very often so we always make it an effort to go to any birthday (or graduations) we are invited to out there. Even if it means a little lack of sleep. We can always catch up on sleep on Saturday. :)

GO SWINGERS!

2009-06-02T21:07:00.000-07:00

Most of you know that Jason and I play on a co-ed softball team called the Swingers. Like the name? Us too! The story behind the name is funny...a little inside joke among us friends.

Usually we always go somewhere with at least 2 couples. Vacations, Vegas, Beach, Lake.... Well, sometimes the couples don't walk with their respective spouse and we get all mixed up. It actually happens a lot. So we kind of joke among ourselves that we are swingers. LOL! When choosing our team name of a team built up of us friends...it was either Alcoholics or Swingers. We thought Swingers was funnier and not everyone drinks on our team anyways.

(Here's a picture from the last season we played)

Sunday we had a double header. First game sucked! The team wasn't all that great but WE were so off and they took advantage of it one inning and scored 15 runs! 15!!! If it wasn't for that inning- we would have won. I was so frustrated in left field. UGH!!!

The second game was awesome! We still lost but it was SO MUCH fun! We played against TapouT (Yes, same guys who own TapouT). I've know the Caldwells (co-owners of TapouT) since I was a kid. They played before us and we watched. OMG!!! Almost all of the guys were hitting the balls WAY OUT in left field (my position!). I'm good..don't get me wrong. But I was nervous...I HATE it when a ball goes over my head.

(Jason's nickname and number #22!)

Game time and everyone is ON! We are hitting well, getting people out and catching all of those fly balls into the outfield! YES! I was so stoked! Breanna kept telling me "Every time you catch a ball, everyone is like 'Wow, that's a girl?!'" LOL!!! I love it!

(My nickname and number #24! LOL!!)

The game was so much fun! Home runs, close calls, bad calls...it was very eventful. My baby even slid home head first! And he was "SAAAYYYYEEEEFFFF!" LOL!

(...dirty Jason...)

OH! And I got in pickle between 1st and 2nd base and was hit in the head with the ball...that got away from the 2nd baseman and I made it to 3rd. Ha! :)

Summer's Maternity Shoot!

2009-05-30T23:00:00.000-07:00

YAY!!! My first official maternity shoot under the belt....

I had a gorgeous Mommy and a beautiful setting. I need to do more of these...it was fun! Here's a few of my favs...

Fight Night!

2009-05-30T22:32:00.000-07:00

I LOVE SPORTS! And MMA is no exception! UFC, Ultimate Fighter, King of the Cage, Pride, Bellator, backyard fights....LOL....whatever. I guess I'm not much of a fighter (I'm a lover) so I love to watch OTHER people fight. LOL!

I appreciate the sportsmanship in almost every sport. Even golf! Yes golf! I hated watching golf and I catch myself watching sometimes.

I am lucky enough to have 2 good friends who are MMA fighters and are steadily working their way up. It's super exciting!!! The Vargas Brothers (Beto & Tommy) wrestled with Jason in high school and have been friends ever since. Beto and Tommy wrestled and excelled in their sport throughout college also and currently in professional fighting!

Tommy had a fight a few weeks ago and was able to get me a press pass and take pictures up on the ring! It was so cool! The only bad thing about this is that I love the sport too much to be working the events. It was so difficult to try to stay quit and not yell and root for who ever...especially Tommy. I yelled out a couple times and thought I better be quit and stay as professional about it as possible. LOL!

Tommy won! I thought I would be able to take pictures of anything and everything....but I think this is one place I might stay strictly a spectator. The pictures above are a few I took that night.... :)

CA Adventure on Memorial Day!

2009-05-28T22:54:00.000-07:00

It was nice to hang out with Jason...just Jason. He is THE funniest person I know. We were just talking about this on Tuesday....I think he's gotten funnier with age.

I'm not a huge Disneyland fan. The FIRST time I went, I was 19! Yes...19! If I went before that...I don't remember. My family always went to the beach or Raging Waters...I realize now it was probably because it was free or cheap. :) So, I never developed that LOVE for Disneyland that a lot of people have ...like Jason. BUT, I am starting to really like CA Adventure. It's geared more towards adults so maybe that's why.

It was a gorgeous day! I love all the flowers and beautiful landscaping.

Jason has been DYING to go on the Toy Story ride. The last time we went the line was so long, he didn't want to wait. Surprisingly, this day it wasn't very long. I guess not everyone had Memorial Day off. Anyways, they give you a little gun and put you in a cart that takes you through a simulation where you shoot bullets or darts or toss rings and you get points for your "hits". Probably not the best explanation but I think you get it. Jason and I are very competitive. The thing is...Jason ALWAYS WINS! I hate it! Side story: I used to play Othello when I was a kid and I saw it at Target and bought it. While teaching Jason how to play...he beat me! Beginners luck? He's beat me every time we play that game. We don't play Othello anymore...

The first time we rode the Toy Story ride, he beat me by a few thousand point. UGH! Seriously! "I never win!!!". Well, we planned on going over to the Disneyland side but I was too tired. We had already spent 5 hours at CA Adventure. So we decided just to ride Toy Story again before we left. Jason always like to wager "something". This time it was where we would have dinner. Jason said McDonald's! I'm not a huge McDonald's fan anymore. He knows this. I think he was just being a punk. I wanted Ruth's Chris...but it's too expensive (no special occasion) so I said Elephant Bar or BJ's. And...

I WON!!!!!!! BY 33,000 POINTS!!!! JYESSSSSSSS! I really didn't want McDonald's! LOL!

(Ignore the accuracy! The first game I had 98% and LOST! I didn't care about accuracy this time!)

We had Elephant Bar for dinner! Yummy!

Jason and I had a blast there. After 11 years, I'm so happy to still be so happy with him.