Summer Announcements

This is what I've been up to as of late:

They are only tastes, but have been exhilarating to say the least. It's been good to break away from LearnKey corporate design and step more into personal bounds. I've been working on a couple of books too, except I haven't been that great at taking pictures. I think there are three that have gone unsnapped... ugh. The next one, mark my words, will be snapped and posted. It will.

ha,

Other than thrilling freelance projects, life is.. the same, more or less. We work, then come home. My promotion has been challenging but in a good way. Every day is different and I am faced with a new daunting task. If I do well, the day ends in a sane manner. If I slip, then.. it's ok too, the world won't end, even though I think it will. I am over a fantastic team of designers who always, always keep me entertained. We are adding new people to the mix all of the time. It's crazy at LearnKey, but I like it. Usually.

Cody is well. He's been working a lot and trying to make the most of the summer. He's been on a couple of install trips to California and had fun with that. He's been speaking more spanish because of it, which is huge for him. It makes me happy. I have learned a couple of things about myself when he's gone:

1. I eat less.

Ever since we've been married, I've had this thing where I feel incredibly obligated to have a meal ready for him, and to make sure he's getting enough. This has caused a gradual 10-12 pound gain over nearly four years. Not that bad, right? Sometimes. Anyway, I tend to go back to single person-mode and eat when I really, really have to. Odd.

2. I work out more.

Cody isn't much of a fan. In truth, he doesn't have to work out like the rest of us. This makes it incredibly difficult to keep a regular work out schedule. One of the most liberating things for me when he's gone is to get out and do what I used to do. I guess this can count for single-person mode too.

3. I don't go out. Ever.

This isn't single-person mode, but I have noticed that I become more of a homebody. It will take a lot of taking and prep to get myself out just to get basic groceries. Lame, I know. I fear I've lost nearly all of the fierce independence and spark I used to have. I'm fighting this though. I cannot become like that.

This isn't really a good or bad list, just an observation. All in all, I am glad to have him around. My overactive imagination is kept at bay at night and I can sleep better :) He always laughs at my stupid jokes and he also takes care of the hard stuff.

Our summer is action-packed and will be starting soon. I can't wait.

The Small and the Simple

April was a good time.

We spent a fast weekend in California to go to a very inspiring baptism. She is a very neat girl and my brother is pretty lucky to have her.

I also (finally) spent some time on books. I made a little long stitch book for a coworker and soon was consumed with measurements and colors and math as I put on a little workshop. We made ribbon-bound books and it was so successful! I couldn't believe how many people came and enjoyed themselves. They all were able to make their books and they turned out pretty good.

The semester is over and Cody finally has a break--sorta. He spent the last week in east Sacramento for his job installing 5 machines. In terms of his job, that's huge. They were originally planning on a two to three week trip and the got most of it done in less than one. Next week he will have to go back and finish that last little bit.

I am good and just doing my thing. The job is going well and am starting to fit more into my newer role. It's not easy taming a bunch of crazy, ADD boy-designers, but someone has to do it.

While Cody was gone I spent a couple of days in SLC with Cody's family. I love them. It's always good to see them and go on our random adventures. It was kind of fun to navigate and get around without him telling me how to do everything right. haha.

Things are good, and I hope summer comes around soon. I'm not sure what season it is nowadays. :)

A Quiet Rant

"That's about as useless as a Mom with a college degree." -- Kenneth, 30 Rock.

I never do this, but there has been something in the back of my mind that I can't seem to shake. I'm not offended, maybe disappointed, but probably more clueless than anything. Maybe typing it out or getting a couple of different perspectives can help out.

Alright.

The other day at church the lesson began with a simple question. (Paraphrasing here) The teacher posed a thought about what if there was no God/religion/eternal life? And how would our lives be different than they are now?

+Several of my peers answered that they wouldn't have to be so nice anymore because there would have been no Christ, therefore they didn't have to be Christlike.

+Others talked about how life would be pointless and how we'd all just live, and then have nothing to look forward to in the end.

+ Another was that the would feel incredibly lonely and empty. It was the last answer and the seeming consensus that made my mind stop.

+Women (in general) would lead boring lives and would just focus on their careers and advancement. They wouldn't want/understand the value and purpose of a family and children and they wouldn't have any.

After this comment, several women (a lot of them moms themselves) agreed whole-heartedly. I have no problem with the base idea. Yeah, a lot of women in our time choose career and advancement over family and that is their lives. But, that does by no means mean that they either do not want that at all, or are in the position to have control over that. I wasn't offended really, but more saddened. Earlier that week I had been promoted in my job. I am now a creative director and I oversee a group of designers. I was still sort of on the high of this exciting opportunity when this whole thing surfaced. It made me think about my life. I am an active LDS person in a Relief Society presidency, have been married for nearly 4 years, and I am an educated college graduate. My husband I chose to wait on the whole kid thing for many reasons:

+We want to pay for it all by ourselves and not rely on the government.

+Hubby is still in school and I am supporting us.

+We want our time together.

+It simply hasn't been time yet.

+We aren't really 'baby people'.

+When the time comes, it will come, and we will be happy.

Are we those people that lead boring lives and just care about our careers?

No.

I love my job. It's fun, I get to lead, I get to use my talents on a daily basis, and I am always learning. I also have a job.

What's so condemning about that?

There are billions of people in this world who favor, and their lives revolve around family. Not just the religious/LDS ones. The statement made it sound like only certain people could have that. I don't believe that at all.

Maybe someday when I at last have my three kiddos and we are playing at the park, I can see what happiness really could be. Happiness comes in stages. Right now, mine is graphic design and planning ahead. Why should I have to be on my second child instead to feel spiritually fulfilled?

I'm not bashing moms future or present. You made beautiful choices and are so much braver than I ever could be. I just hope for the same respect when it comes to building a stable life and choosing career and advancement for a small season. They made it sound like actually using a degree and talents were wrong, and that we should be solely at home, baking bread and changing diapers. This where I get lost. I do understand that family is a vital purpose to being here on Earth, but we shouldn't sound so medieval and condescending about it.

Right?

Boring Sickies

Hey,
So I spent the last week coughing, sneezing, being a mouth-breather, and sleeping. Hooray for allergies...................... Every year at some point the pollen and dust get to me and make me crazy. I think my body either gets surprise- attacked and just gets deathly ill, or it's trying to defend itself so much I actually get deathly ill. Either way, it's no fun. Luckily, this only happens about once a year. After that, the allergy symptoms tend to pan out into something a little more manageable. The luck of March has runout at the Campbell home for sure because today Cody woke up (barely) not well either. I wonder what's got him....



Other than being lazy bums sharing a box of Kleenex, there isn't much happening (at our house). We are still working and Cody is getting close to closing another year at SUU. One more to go after that! It better pass quickly. I will be at LearnKey (Oh wait, LearnForce now. We merged with another company) for 3 years next month. I can't believe it. I keep telling myself that there's got to be something more enriching, but to no avail. This is where I am supposed to be, for possibly another year. Oh well, it'll at least look good on a resume, right??

The month went well other than our sneezy, snotty end. The week of St. Patrick's day was spent well with many parties. LF threw me a good one the day of (17th) and then went on a hot date after work. We went to dinner then saw Shutter Island (at last!) It was very good. It kept my mind going and just when I had it all figured out, BAM! something else! The next night m family came up and we went to Ninja, here in town. It was fun to watch them during the hibachi. After that, we spent the weekend in SLC with Cody's family. It's always good to see them and we had a blast.

This week we hung out with Ryan and played games. *If a James Gubler gets this far, kindly skip to the next paragraph* They consisted of one called Axis and Allies and The Game of Life. I *did* play A&A, despite all of my boisterous statements about how only nerds play that game and always recount that Seinfeld when Kramer and Neuman played Risk but had to leave the game board at Jerry's because they thought it neutral territory and no one could cheat. Good times, good times. Our game wasn't that long, according to the boys we were playing with. I only understood like 60% of it, but it was still cool nonetheless.
It was sort of a shocking revelation that... GASP, I just may be a nerd. haha I won't turn down a LOTR marathon, (did that one weekend this month) I like talking Batman, I watch Seinfeld, I relate to the boys at my job more than the girls, and I crack jokes I only think is funny and logical. I'm probably more well-balanced than I think. :]




Anywayyyy, I finished a wedding sign-in book for some friends and will post pictures about it later. I was also asked to put on a book arts workshop in April. I am pretty excited, I won't hide it. I think we will be making ribbon-bound books. They are easier to handle and more 'cutesy' for the crowd I'll be teaching. haha SOMETIME, I plan on opening an Etsy, I just need that one push. I won't lie, it's a scary thing. Especially since my neighborhood Roberts decided to up and leave town. That was my place and now... its off to stG for all things books. :(

I was asked a couple of months ago to captain a Relay for Life team for LF. I didn't know a lot about it, but I do now. Things for it are going really well and the event is also in April. If you would like to help our cause, check out this link:

http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY10GW?px=14381017&pg=personal&fr_id=21756

Yay for medicated ramblings! That was March for you, and hopefully more to follow.

Natalie Dee: Genious

9 days...
...and this will make a heck of a lot more sense.

Rosie O'Donnell + Snappy + Julia Child + Avatar = an update!

November the Brave.

Cody and I ventured Southwest for Thanksgiving to see my Dad and family. It was pretty cool because it was Cody first time down on 'the rez' and he met a lot more of my family. The travel conditions were great and we had a wonderful time.

Cody and Dave zonked out after the big meal.



My cute little cousin Shauna. She impressed Cody with her string skills!



Dad cooking up the frybread.




And of course, the Coke family sign. lol....

We also spent a day at Chaco Canyon. It was absolutely mind-blowing! I recommend going sometime in life. It was neat because my Dad told us a lot of (true) stories about the people and the life. It was really cool.

May Dad far away...on like a fourth of this massive compound.



Just getting to the largest of them all.



The three Barkerteers. ha...



Examining the masonry



haha... Emily passing out on the trip. Classic.

Oh yes, and we played countless games of Apples to Apples. Here is us at a random McDonalds in Gallup:



This totally just a taste, but it was a really fun trip. Just after we got home We learned that Emily got engaged! His name is Dave, and he's pretty cool. They are a good match. There is no set date yet, but sometime this year... haha

December the Needy.

Christmas this year was spent in a magical little town called Blanding, UT. It's where Cody's parents live. I love visiting. It's just a fun little place. All of the family was able to gather. Unfortunately Cody's sister Lindsay and I got sick while there, which probably didn't make things very fun, but it was relaxing nonetheless.

Sadly, this is the only picture I have. I must have been near dead.

We spent New Years just together and planned a real date! haha

This was our Christmas card for '09:

More or less, that's what we've been up to. After all of the traveling, Cody got sick the week before school started. Luckily, he was better in time and now his scholastic endeavors are in full swing. He talking a couple of available classes and has also begun his Capstone project for his major. It's basically a final project every EET major has to make to demonstrate what they've learned. It's exciting. It means we will be done soon!

I am well too, we have so much to do at work and it's been so good. I'm in possibly may last month of Acutane which is crazy. It's been really good, but I guess it's time to move on in life. There are some things I definitely won't miss, but the pros I think outweigh the cons. I won't miss:

The extreme feeling of lack of sleep (I'll sleep 8 hours and feel like I slept 2)

Constantly, peeling, ugly chapped lips. (Thank goodness for Carmex!)

Achy joints (Not as constant, but it makes working out no fun)

Lack of night vision (lol... )

It takes a blow to your immune system (It made getting sick and then getting over it an adventure)

Not taking any vitamins or avoiding vitamin A like the plague. (I couldn't take anything other than my pill and the pill)

Um... and other inconveniences I won't mention.

That reads like a lot, but really, the benefits outweigh it all. I feel better, and I really hope knocked this annoyance out for good.

I also donated my hair.

11 inches was sent off not long ago to Locks of Love. It was a cool experience. I've done it 4 times now, and it's just cool. I figure while I can, I may as well. My hair needed it anyway. I feel great.

For now, I'll just post this one :)

I finally got back into making books. Sorta. I made a ribbon book for a friend who had a baby.

I believe I'll call it Carly, after the precious babe.

That's about all's that has been happening around here. Things are good and the Chargers are playing on Sunday. How much better can it get?

OH SNAP!

Nothing makes my day more than this. haha
This is all, until later. :D

I guess so.

Two months later and what do we have to show or it?? Let's find out together.

September, I think, was pretty cool. haha. I continued my biking goal and at the end of the month got my car back. In addition to that, we acquired my Dad's Jeep Wrangler and we spent the rest of the month and part of October 'Jeeping', or driving to cool places my Corolla can't go. We discovered old mines and soaked in all of the fall colors. We climbed mountains and drove crazy roads. We conquered Three Peaks and drove literally to the very top! It's colder now and the leaves have turned, so it was good while it lasted.

(There were some other ones.. but they are nowhere to be found... :( )

What else what else... we found out that it IS going to be three more semesters until Cody graduates. Not what we wanted to hear, but it's something I guess. Unless some miracle happens and that ONE LAST CLASS that is only offered in Spring 2011 is waived and/or substituted, that's the plan. After this current semester, he has 6 classes to go. Any normal person could knock that out in one, maybe 2 semesters. Because of his program however, it's going to be more like 3 classes, then 2, then 1. Strange. The more and more I think and ponder on this, I wonder what the bigger plan is. Twice in the last year we have tried to leave Cedar City, and twice it hasn't worked out. There is something keeping us here, I just wonder what exactly. I am optimistic and we soldier on.

The Accutane is going well--better than I expected. I'm now in month 3 of 5, and things are looking great. My face has never been this dry, and I like it. There is definitely a visible difference. As for the wacky side effects, none yet. The dryness of course and Carmex is a must, but I'm no American Psycho (yay!) Let's hope it keeps that way. :]

Last weekend we spent some time in SLC to visit Cody's sisters and my old roomies. We laughed and laughed and played with our little niece. We went to find some Witches at Gardner Village then ventured downtown for some prime Italian food. After that, some of us went to Nightmare on 13th, a haunted house. It was a blast. It never disappoints. It was so good to see everyone again and reconnect.

Work for me has been great. We have plenty of projects to work on and recently started a rather large one for a large client. We also had our annual LK Halloween party. As usual, it was fun and thrilling to see who everyone was. This year for Halloween Cody and I dressed up as Indiana Jones and Willie (loud, annoying blonde love interest) from the Temple of Doom. Our friend Zhou agreed to be Short Round. It was fun and so crazy.

My Mom's birthday was this month too. Now, us Barkers have one common love, (among others) and that is the San Diego Chargers (NFL team) Since SD was once home, we still have an undying devotion to our bolts, and will never fold or deny. SO, for her birthday, we took her to Iggy's, a sports grill in St. George to watch a Monday Night Football game against the Denver Broncos, (May they have ETERNAL DIARRHEA) on their giant, 4 panel screen. It was a BLAST. We were probably the loudest, rowdiest table. Shortly after the whole restaurant sang happy birthday to her, one of the receivers broke away from the pack and ran most of the field to score a touchdown! It was a pretty sweet present from the Bolts to my Mom. We lost in the end, but it was still a very memorable good time.

Things are great for us. Winter is starting to bear its fangs, but life is good. We are so blessed. We have great jobs and Cody is doing stellar in school. We have such a fantastic ward and good friends. Really, what more could you ask for?

Smattering of thoughts

For once, a lot has happened. It's not very organized in my head--still, but let's see what I can muster.

First things first.

We spent a weekend in Salt Lake with Cody's family. It's always so fun to visit and laugh (we do that a lot) We brought one of Cody's co-workers with us. His name is Zhou, and he's from China. He came to work with Cody for a year and we've been trying to help him see what Utah has to offer. So, that weekend we took him to Lagoon with us. It was so so fun.

We also took a picture in one of those machines where they 'sketch' you. . . (ha ha ha) and we found a picture someone left, whether for good or for bad, who knows.



Oh yeah, it says 'WANTED' at the top too. Priceless.

From there, I spent a lot of time debating and thinking. I received a job offer from a scrapbook company here in Cedar. They really liked me and my portfolio, but after A LOT of thinking and pros and cons, I ultimately decided to stay at LearnKey. It was a risky move, but I felt a lot better about turning it down. Basically, (a peek into my mind), it was a career vs. family decision. There are a lot of things I want/need to accomplish, and I felt I could best do that whist at LK. Had I chosen the other job, It would postpone my plans, and just---push them back farther. I can't wait any longer. Those 'things' I wanted to accomplish are:
-Getting more and more out of debt
-Being able to support Cody while he's in school
-Doing something for me I should have done a long time ago
-Just have a sense of normalcy in this crazy world.
-Potentially start a family (yeah, you read it).

Shortly after this big decision, my world took another blow. Really, is has been a long time coming, but it's finally happened. My parents split.
We all knew earlier in the year, and felt ok about it. It was for the best, and they really... just needed to grow apart. Anyway, My Dad left about a couple of weeks ago and is now back home on the reservation. He is working now and trying to figure out life. He left abruptly and also left my Mom a large mess to clean. You see, days prior to this her car was hit and totaled. She has been wrestling w. the insurance company for a couple of weeks now, trying to get a good result. She has this burden now with the cares and woes of being a single parent. (the bills, the kids, life in general). She is extremely resilient though. She had endured worse, and she will be ok in the end. If only I had her strength. . . The whole situation sounds sketchy and lame, but it's ok. We are all ok and actually more are peace. It's a mutual, friendly divorce, if there is ever such a thing.

So, there was that to add to my stress list. I taught a relief society lesson and even helped a friend out by making invitations for her. I was asked to make a sign-in book for one of my good friends from high school. It turned out really great and am excited to present it to her and her Mom. Here's a peek:






Hmmmm so far so good.

Oh, and we moved as well. We are still in Cedar, but in an apartment now. It's been fun to reorganize and make it HOME. I started biking to work too (about 2 miles round trip). It hasn't been too hard like I expected, but actually really refreshing. I think I will try to continue until the weather gets bad.
Speaking of bad weather... The Mill Flat fire continues to rage. Thankfully, it has moved away from New Harmony and reared its ugly head back to the mountain. It has created a lot of haze and smog here in Cedar. So, bike riding has been a little more difficult (allergies and all), but I am enduring with joy.





Cody has started school and we are still waiting to hear if this will be his last year. (for stupid reasons) If they say yes, We're done in May. If they say no, Cody will have a really spaced-out two years to go (including this one) 10. classes. left. DUMB.
He is taking it all well though. He's a good one. :)

We celebrated our 3 year wedding anniversary too. It was nice. We went to the temple and got our first ever professional massages. It was a good time. We are so happy and it just seems to get better. Cody also tuned 26 (the next day). He's very low-key, so we didn't go all out, but still had fun.

And lastly (so I think), I embarked on something today that will prove to be an interesting journey. I started Accutane. It's something I am doing for myself I should have done a long time ago. It's kind of a risky, expensive, emotionally taxing process, but I am ready. I want to for once not feel lame or self-conscious. I want to be able to have to option to not wear make-up and feel ok. I just want to do it--for me. It's about a 5-month program, and hopefully it will work out for me. This DOES mean though that the whole family thing will be on hold, but in time it will come together.

This all sounds so random. A brain-vomit if you ask me, but I've been meaning to get this out, one way or another. It's more for me to organize and think straight. Some of it might be TMI.... I'm ok with that. Now we all know. haha

Despite all of the bumps recently, we are ok. We are all ok. Cody and I have been so blessed and are happy. Without things like this life would be boring. haha

Til next time....

Warriorbook 2009

This book was a lot of fun to make. It was for a high school reunion and served as a sign-in book for the attending alumni. It was stitched in a long-stitch fashion, and beat it up a little to give it some depth and wisdom ;) The most exciting/challenging/fun/daunting/first-and-only- shot part of it was the warrior head. It was carved from crafter's chipboard and then roughed up a little bit. I really, really like how it turned out, and best of all, it was a hit at the reunion!

The slackiest bunch of slackers that ever slacked.

Hi................. haha.

Cool things we did recently(more like all summer):
6/09 Spent Father's day with my Father in Cedar.
6/09 Spent Father's birthday with Father in Cedar.
7/09 Watched the utterly flawless Public Enemies. Seriously, what can be better than a Johnny Depp/Christian Bale flick?? So timeless and well-done. Thank you Hollywood for a gem among poo.
7/09 We spent the glorious fourth of July in Blanding with family. It was a refreshing break from real life.
7/09 Lund family reunion. Good times camping with family and taking it easy.
7/09 Hosted a bunch of stellar girls and old roomie so they could go to a mission president's homecoming. Yay for people who served in NY! haha
7/09 Spent Pioneer day with my family in St.George. As always, we spent the evening bbqing and laughing it up. We ended on an astonishing note by watching the new Harry Potter. (again, thank you Hollywood) I never cry in movies, but this one did me in good.
7/09 Cody and I are moving. Still in Cedar, but just somewhere new. It'll be an interesting week, that's for sure.

Other cool things we got (back) into:
MarioKart. *sigh....* haha
The older Batman movies
This American Life
1984
Regina Spektor's new album
Recycling hardcore. haha
Box hunting
Lego Batman
Harry Potter
Conan O'Brian
Making lunches
Get Smart
Passion Pit

Things have been pretty excing around here. The summer went by so quickly. I have no excuse for not blogging at all. I actually have TONS of pictures. I guess I just haven't thought very much about telling the world every last thing I do, or like some, live for the blog, which is totally backwards. . . (no offense to anyone). It is summer too. It's definitely harder to keep up with things. I'll try to keep more consistent though.
Coming up here, Cody will be starting up school again. *hopefully* it will be his last fall semester. . . I won't hold my breath just yet. Universities are tricky these days. What happened to working for the student, instead of taking every last dime they have? Just appalling. On a better note, we both still have our jobs and are doing great. We are excelling at what we do, and having fun doing it.
'tis all for now. :)

MAY

May was so crazy! Here's a sad little rundown (sans pictures) :

Cody and I spent Mother's day with my mom. We all cooked her a good meal and surprised her with an iPod and a Snuggie (the snuggie of course was a gag gift. She LOVED it!).

It was a youngest brother's month of festivities too with senimary and high school graduation.

Cody's family came down to hang with us over Memorial weekend. It was a blast having them here. They are so much fun.

Watched ALL KINDS of movies including Star Trek, Terminator, Wolverine, Empire in the Sun, Willow, and Undercover Brother, just for kicks and to name a few. haha

Decided that SUU is STILL where we need to be. (whether we like it or not).

Finished Harry Potter 6.

Got called to be a Relief Society teacher :S

Thoroughly enjoyed "The Giver".

Working steadily on a commissioned book.... :D

Enduring to the end---at work. Lazy summer days can be SO tempting.

Succumbing to Lego Batman (crazy addicting).

AND..............I finally completed my portfolio Web site! clarecampbelldesign.com  . All and all, plus all the gaps and breaks it took about a year. It was built completely from scratch, tailoring the code to whatever I was doing. I am pleased with the outcome, but really cannot believe it is really done. I sort of consider it as a graphic designer's ' rite of passage'. What will I do with myself now? I'm sure some new, awesome project is in store.  It never seems to end, and I'm just fine with that. 

I'm not sure if I mentioned this earlier, but a year ago I stumbled on a blog that talked about the author's lifelong goal to read as many books as possible from this list called 'The Best 100 Novels. ' Supposedly, it's one of the better collections of the world's best books. So, I have also taken it on, and it's been so fun and enriching. You can check it out here.  If you love to read, or just like goals, this is one I definitely recommend. 

Well, life is good. Things are going so well for us, and we are so happy. It's monotonous, but in a good way. June will be rather interesting. We'll see how it plays out. :)

Hagoone Siikis. 

Quimby the Mouse

Because.... It's interesting.

Quimby The Mouse from This American Life on Vimeo.

Two spring beauties

Emmaline

This rather beautiful and exciting book is a long stitch book I experimented with last weekend. It was more difficult that past books, but very fun to try to figure out. I think I will be making these for a long time. (but they are blurry?? :( oh well I guess. )

Ferrah

Yet another ribbon-bound book. ha. They are so classy and simple. I had problems giving this one up. But, the owner quite liked it. 

Hopefully more to come :]