So yeah… what else is going on in my life besides the launch of my new class? (CZ Design Side Note: thank you SO much for the response to the class. It’s exciting for me to see so many of you pumped and confident that you can create beautiful pages without too much fuss. Further, when you sign up you support my small business and I am genuinely grateful for that.)
(Sorry. I had to work in a plug for the class but that’s only because the intro price ends next Tuesday. Ah, the life of a self-pimping small business woman…)
Someone recently asked me, “How do you get such good selfies?” and the answer is two-fold: for a long time, I just used my iPhone and an app called Key Cam. The reason this app is so cool? You can set it to trigger a photo just by clapping. That’s right. Clap on, and a photo is taken. It’s how I’ve taken numerous family selfies over the years. But recently I discovered a little bluetooth remote shutter from This Alaska Life and I’ve found it to be far less annoying than clapping loudly. I’ve been keeping it in my purse because you never know when you might want to get a great selfie or group shot, am I right? I took this shot with it and that’s a lot of folks to get in the frame. Note: yes, I did blur a few faces out for teen privacy.
But the other thing that helps get a good selfie? A tripod. (I have an older version of this one.) If you have one, by all means, try it out. One thing I also swear by is my Joby GripTight mount. This thing is highly coveted by me and my teen-aged son. In fact he steals it from my office weekly. You pop that thing on your tripod and put your phone in its grip, grab your Bluetooth remote and boom, all you need to do is smile. Or just look busy. An indispensable tool for the modern age.
Other than that, summer is winding down. My sweet college girl is gearing up for her junior year (what the hell?), and will also be going on a week long vacation to California with her boyfriend and his family next week. I realize I don’t share as many stories about the grown up children (presently, we have one of those), but I will say this: I’m extremely proud of her. She works full time as a nanny during the summer to pay for a chunk of her tuition in the fall. When I was 20, I did not take on any financial responsibility for my college education. Part of it was the time I went to school (1984–1989—yes, I was on the five-year plan), part of it was I attended a public university which was at that time about $5K annually, and the other part was that my parents were able to afford it. That’s another thing I’m grateful for and should thank them for more often. Dan was paying off his student loans for the first 7 years of our relationship.
So Aidan, keep up the amazing work. Oh, how I will miss your presence come September. In a world were stuff is changing daily, that’s one constant I know.
And speaking of juniors…
Cole is now 17. Because of his late summer birthday all those years ago and me thinking, “Um, he’s WAY too little to start preschool,” he’ll be a junior this fall. We’re gearing up for a huge weekend of Ultimate, the National Youth Club Championships up in glorious Blaine, Minnesota. And yes, I will be renting a big-assed lens. Fun fact: a year ago, my beloved Hyundai Santa Fe was rear ended on Day 1 of the YCC tourney and that is how Stevie came to live with us. This year I will be watching very closely in my rear-view mirror. I still have four more years of payments on Stevie before I can even think of getting rear ended again.
Last but not least, summer is winding down for Dan, too. He’s gearing up for his first year as a 5th grade teacher. It’s a very exciting and unknown time, really. But you know what is kind of cool? Having him around in the summer because dude gets shit done!
He has re-stained our deck (which was in desperate need!), and he is now getting lights up and helping me turn our space into a magical gathering location. (Don’t worry about that bending pole. It’s going to be straightened out soon!) We also are getting a new wooden table that will slide right into place in just a few weeks. We may have a small city yard, but we’re working to make the most of it.
And that’s it. A lot of change. A lot of life. A lot of Olympics. That’s what’s up in my little corner of St. Paul.
Thanks for reading.
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Tammy B says
Your deck looks great! Don’t you wish that you could slow summer down a little more? I mean, it’s short enough already and it’s almost the middle of August!!
And the Olympics?! I am a junkie! I don’t get up at 5:30 to watch events but when you have seven different channels you can watch stuff on…it’s hard to keep up! ? Canadian coverage rocks!!
Cathy Zielske says
I want to marry the olympics.
AnnieM says
Cathy,
First of all, how is your daughter a JUNIOR in college already? Woah. Time flies. And good luck to your husband! My daughter just started her 3rd year teaching 2nd grade in TX and wow, do teachers “work hard for the money!!!” (and not nearly enough, I am telling you!!)
ALSO, your deck looks stupendous. We also have a deck in desperate need of staining…would you mind sharing the stain brand/color?
Cathy Zielske says
Hey Annie, it’s Sherwin Williams…Spice Chest, semi transparent. 🙂
KimK says
I secretly want to hug Michael Phelps…not for his awesome accomplishment in the pool and shiny new medals. But for having the very best “game face” ever with his adversary standing right in front of him. Focus man, its the real deal with him. Cheers on your awesome outdoor space!
Amanda Maddox says
My littlest was born in June. We decided to wait an additional year before sending him to kindergarten. I’m so thankful we did! (I’ve heard that it’s good, especially for boys – for whatever reason.) He’s about to start the 2nd grade and is doing wonderfully. (:
Tara says
Loved reading this recap. I bought the Bluetooth shutter! And the instapot. You’re so convincing.
Cathy Zielske says
I’m just that good.
heidig says
I love that deck. And the table you’re getting? It’s going to look incredible on the deck.
CarlajinAR says
my youngest is also starting his junior year of high school..I don’t know where time has gone.
Dona says
When your family isn’t at the NSC for Ultimate, mine is there for soccer. I’m making it a goal to get my camera off AUTO this winter and next summer I’m renting a BAL.
Cathy Zielske says
Blaine is the best, right?
AbbyPimentel says
Oh WOW!! That deck, and the whole patio, are off the hook gorgeous. It looks so pretty and peaceful. Hoping Aiden has a great time in CA – I live in Southern CA (Santa Clarita – think Magic Mountain). Weather is supposed to be wicked hot next week out here. Hopefully it’s not too hot where she’s going. Starting the college-funding search for our 20-year-old, who’s heading to Univ. of Arizona Fall 2017 for his last two years. Community college helped out a ton for his first two years. Cole looks more and more like Dan every photo (like I know your peeps! Haha). Enjoy Ultimate!
Cathy Zielske says
Thanks, Abby! Yeah, I think it is going to be really hot when she’s there, but I think they’re also going to be near the ocean. Good luck on the funding search. Man, college is expensive in this modern era!
Lida says
Wow! where has the summer gone! Dan did a great job on the deck, it looks so nice! Your kids are phenomenal! What can I say, I love your selfies!