Man I feel awesome!

I love playing with new lenses. Lensbaby:Fisheye.

I'm also very happy that Justin has his dream bike now (the last one was stolen from our front porch-gotta love living in Downtown Salt Lake). It's a vintage touring bike from France, I don't know how to spell it but it's pronounced Pee-oh-jay (the "J" is more like a -sh- sound). They don't make this bike anymore so you know it's extra special.

Meet Christie

I love it when a friend from afar makes time for me on a quick trip. The other day I found a mixed CD in storage from when we were sixteen (6 years ago). We made it together and It's labeled "Val & Christie are Hot" & "Your my best friend and that's all there is to it" inscribed are little hearts and stars. She is my best friend indeed. One day Christie begged her parents to let me come home with her (I was on my way to the pound). I lived with her family for a few months when I was sixteen because things weren't going so well in my own home. A few months later I was baptized into the LDS church. My life changed immensely after that. I'm very grateful for that time in my life and love the people who shared it with me. Looking back the only thing I regret are the songs on that ancient CD. Gwen Stefani, Taking Back Sunday, Tsunami Bomb, The Sounds, Rise Against and others...our tastes in music are on the other side of the spectrum now, and I'm glad. It was nice to have this little piece of evidence showing our friendship. Our future teenage kids will not let us forget our wicked-awesome taste in music though, I'm a little embarrassed.

"Say goodbye to the tangerine sky, say hello, say hello to tomorrow"
Lyrics by: Kottonmouth Kings from Val & Christie are Hot mix.
Christie and I back in the day.

How're them goals comin' ?

I still don't know where this blog is going. It has only been about a month since I started the whole thing up. I would like to have the layout done professionally instead of the ready made just add water layouts that you see now. I don't really need a particular direction, it's just my life.

A while ago I wrote out my New Years goals. I have been doing better with scripture reading. When I made the goal, for a little over a week I read a chapter every night, and now that I'm a primary teacher I consider that a big part of my scripture reading in planning my lessons, except now I have stopped reading every night and just do it when I remember to or I'm not so tired. You would think that it shouldn't take much effort to open up a book and read a page or two, but some how I'm dragging my feet.

I spend every moment I can with Mr. Hunter. We are so busy these days that sometimes it can be difficult to find that time.

As far as my 10 pound weight loss goes, I have been doing more rock-climbing, which helps my arm strength and that's it. 2 weeks ago I was running on a treadmill when I got this bright idea to try running with my eyes closed, before I knew it, as soon as I opened my eyes (it was too late) and flew off the back end= Big Fail! However, it did give me a moment to laugh at myself or exercise my abdominal muscles= WIN! My neighbor wants to start running (or wheezing is what we like to call it) in the afternoons. I'm glad because I need a support system to get things done

I am taking more pictures! I also am thoroughly EXCITED about my future career. I knew I wanted to be a photographer, but I couldn't pin down what area. I have finally landed on photojournalism. I feel my heart flutter when I think of the idea. I don't feel that way towards, portraiture or wedding photography. That was the route before but it seemed too cliche for me. Any soccer mom with a nice camera can learn to do that (okay-not everyone). In Utah there are a lot of low budget photographers willing to do that job though, and way too much competition. Any one who knows me well is aware that I don't take the easy route, EVER. So I am going to do my best and hope to get "there", and if I don't end up landing a job at the Salt Lake City Tribune or Elle magazine, Fine. I will get my barrings and eventually do what I love.

Oh yeah, and I'm not doing so well with the fabric addiction. I bought 15 fat quarters the other day with no intention to use them. (there was a sale)

I did have a really pretty collage of pictures to go with the post but I ended up deleting it because the quality was a bit too crummy for my liking.

I usually feel guilty for not including a photo, but it'll just have to do.
(that'll do pig, that'll do). I promise lots of pictures next time...maybe even my own *gasp*.

-Val

The not so glorious, glorious day.

It's my turning 22 photo!

Weeks before your own birthday you might put a lot of thought into what gifts you want or what you would like to do and who you want to invite to help you celebrate. This year as I was about to turn the ripe old age of 22, It didn't even occur to me that a birthday was coming. Monday while I was spending time at my neighbors house the occasion came up and I had totally forgotten that my birthday is this week! Yesterday my husband asked me what I would like to do for my Birthday and I felt a tiny pang of bitterness about the subject, like why should I be deciding this??It's my birthday, you plan it! But, when isn't it always about deciding what YOU want for your birthday? Well, somehow this year the world decided to spin a different direction and, well, I just may like a surprise this year. So, It's here, today is my birthday and the only surprises I got was my usual monthly gift that ravaged my body in the middle of the night and a dead transmission. That leaves Justin and I, who have really busy schedules, with one vehicle. This year I feel like my birthday was taken away and if I could find who took it, I would bite them so hard that it would draw blood, just like I did to the little girl who took my cookie that first year of pre-school. It's like a magical, secret, hiding spot that only I knew about has been taken over and occupied by Nazis.

Today I feel bitter. Bitter that I'm another year older, bitter that today hasn't been a memorable one, bitter that Justin is at school late, bitter that I don't have a cake with candles to blow out, bitter that I am not a kid, bitter that I was born during a cold winter month when there is nothing to do at 8:00 at night. Maybe I can consult my mother and see if we can move my birthday to a nice, hot summer night!

I'm sorry you all have to read this. When it's someone's birthday don't you hope that they have the best day ever?! Wouldn't it crush you to hear that it absolutely wasn't their best day ever?
Well sorry to disappoint, but, I wouldn't say today's occurrences is something I want to relive. However, I have had so many good days in my year as a 21 year old! So many that it out weighs this horrid day. That to me is more important than one day of gifts and cake.

So, now I raise my glass to all the people who have made many memorable days for me to live in. You make turning another year older worth while!

With love, Val
This is my pretend birthday cake! It sure was delicious!

I was thinking...yep it's true, I was!

Nothing too important. I was just thinking how picky I am when it comes to airplane seats. No one prefers the middle, it's the worst of both worlds. Too far from the bathrooms and too far from the nice view downward. I always get offended when I am seated in a middle seat and the person sitting beside me at the window chooses to shut the shade and fall asleep. In fact while they are sleeping I plan out the many things I could do to make them pee their pants. I wish hateful things upon them and their loved ones. BECAUSE! If I were ever so lucky to sit by the window I would spend every second admiring the plethora of fluffy clouds, spying little ant cars and day dreaming into the sunset. But, as luck would have it I have a man beside me who is staring at me, an obnoxious Satan reincarnate kicking and screaming in the seat behind me and the horrible woman who HATES a good view.


This is the ideal way I would choose to fly!

Something I like to call Dreamland

I don't know if you knew this (probably not) but I am an avid Etsian! Translation: I am addicted to ETSY! It is a place where people all over the world sell all things handmade! Although a college student's budget can only stretch so far I have managed to purchase a few pieces of jewelry from there. If you can't purchase anything it is a great place to blow a few hours just perusing. I always look there when I need ideas on making my own Etsy worthy crafts. Seriously go peek! Below I have some examples of art I have recently discovered on Etsy. If you are interested in their work I have also included a link to their shops.....

On a different note I was wondering if maybe I could share some up and coming thrift finds that I will be re-vamping? I have picked up a couple things here and there at local thrift stores over the past few months that I have been meaning to spruce up and I think if I make it an obligation here to my now SEVEN readers I will most likely get them done and contributing to the Hunter society, population: 2, once and for all (but really I want to convince Mr. Hunter that I truly did buy them with purpose!). Plus maybe it will give you some ideas of your own. Win+Win!

Now on with our original broadcast :) Have a splendid Friday!

The Nebulous Kingdom
(below) By: The Wheatfield

(below) By: Tina Tarnoff

(below) By: Stephanie Fizer
(below) By: Elsita
(below) By: Corid

The next three make my heart smile. I love these prints!!!
(below) By: The Poppy Tree
Aww, It's Justin and I! My birthday is coming soon. I love this print.

This is the year!

I never usually make New Years resolutions and never have I ever kept the one's I have made, however, this year feels different. I have a feeling that I could make this year the best one yet if I set some goals! On OhBrooke! Brooke makes a valid point in making goals that you can keep like buying a new pair of shoes every month or eating at a new restaurant every week maybe even gaining 10 pounds in the next year would be an easy task.... Well normally I would settle for that, but I am setting goals this year. Very important one's! Drumroll please.........

*Read a Chapter in my scriptures every night

*Exercise more

*Lose 10 lbs. by May 2010

*Take more pictures

*accumulate at least 500 dollars in my savings account

*ask for God's help more often

*Read more books

*Stop buying fabric and use what I have (that's gonna be difficult!)

*Stop farting around The Mister so he'll be more attracted to me. Well he says he likes that I'm fine with farting, but I don't believe it. I hope my mother-in-law never reads this because she HATES the word fart. She would kill over if she found out I was saying such garbage!

*Do more romantic things with The Mister.

* Fall more in love with The Mister. (and my LOUD humidifier that you could also call a mister...)<----that was corny, but it's staying.

*Feng Shui (Fung-Shway) my home. My friend did this to her room and it seems so peaceful! If I don't Feng Shui it then I will at least de-clutter and attempt to keep it up better.

*Go to bed at a reasonable hour and wake up before 9 in the morning.

*Do homework before it's due

*Watch every episode of 24 this season (easy enough)

As you can see, I may be a little over my head in goals, but this is the year! I will be happier than the last if I at least attempt these goals. I feel like they are more concrete since I have posted them on my blog, so all 4 of my readers will hold me to these resolutions!

What are some of your resolutions for the year? Think quick! The Mayan Calendar says we only have 2 more years left!

New Layout. Your thoughts?

I have a new layout here as you can see...mainly because it's pretty. But I'm not sure how certain I am about having it on this particular blog. Does it represent me well? Is it even my style? I noticed that some people see me as someone who has bright hot neon everything...but I actually love more natural hues, the colors of the earth...soft colors. I won't deny, I have awesome style...but that does not include loud colors all of the time with the exception of the occasional red, yellow and blue. Maybe when I was in high school, but Mummy, times have changed I stopped wearing Mermaid panties a long time ago. I have also stopped covering every inch of my body in roll on glitter. I am a new woman, almost 22 wouldn't cha know?! So. What should I do with this blog? I thought of having it professionally styled but attempted to make it look pro myself...I think I need to do more research until I find something I completly can't live with out! Whatcha think my 4 gracious followers?

I thought these were spice girls when I saved the picture...it's clearly not. I don't remember there being men in the group. Anywho...this is not me. I was a child of the eighties, but I don't partake of that style era. I think there were a lot of fashion no-no's from that time that alot of us would like to forget (balloon pants). Shockingly a lot of it is back in style.

(Below) This is the style I like to emulate. I even have the same hair style.

So basically you understand that I like old-fashioned, classy, retro style.