The List

I am back!

2011-08-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

I was informed that my niece reads “the List” and has asked me to update it. I feel just terrible not updating it sooner. It has been a wild time since living in Las Vegas and I have found myself without as much free time. I will do better Karagen, and hope you like the new posts.

My friend Jamie Williams came to town for a little visit. We had lots of things planned, including a little vacation to Oak Creek, Arizona…..

Since moving to Las Vegas everyone had mentioned how beautiful Red Rock Canyon was and the fabulous hiking that is there. Jamie and I set out to find out for ourselves.

We decided to do the hiking trail that had the destination of seeing a waterfall. The hike was beautiful and I loved being out in nature. There were trees and despite being in the middle of May, it was actually chilly. The waterfall was a bit of a disappointment. It was more like a drip off a cliff but it was water. I will definitely be going back for more hikes in the future. So we can cross of one more “hike a park” off the list!

July 2010

2010-07-22T22:18:00.000-07:00

I have not forgotten you precious list. I have been busy. Not "list" busy, but busy all the same. During all the turmoil I have forgotten to add to the list. When I think, "what would I add," I am at a loss. I suppose I would add that I am going to go to Ireland. I believe that is the only new thing on the list.

I have gotten my own place.... in VEGAS! - Not at all where I thought I would end up but here I am in the 115 degree weather. Funny how life can change so much in such a short time.

I have made some jewelry. I don't have any pictures of the ear rings that I made yet but I will try and take some soon. They are gorgeous of course. lol

More posts soon to come and more items to be crossed off!

Year End

2010-01-01T15:16:00.000-08:00

It appears that I did not complete all that I wanted to in the year so I am going to extend my list to the year 2010!
The last half of my year was a rough one and it was hard to find time to do all the things that I wanted to. I have a good feeling about 2010 and I know I will do all that I want to and more!
I am starting training for the Music City ½ Marathon in April, I am setting up a work room for the sewing, searching the internet for a banjo and I have started my book.
Someone told me that I had too many items on my list… I did have moments where I felt stressed about completing everything but this year I will do what I can when I can (but I am very optimistic that I will complete it!).

I have never been more excited about a time in my life than I am right now… its going to be a great year!
Updates soon to come!

My mom and I bringing in the New Year!!!!

September 26, 2009 - Its been a while

2009-09-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

I would like to apologize for the lack of updates. My only explanation is that life is CRAZY!! I have not done as much this summer as I would have liked but I did get to mark and item or two off “The List”

Here are some updates......

I went to Forks, WA…cross that off the list!
I flew into Seattle and rented a car. First stop, Port Angeles, WA then the Olympic National Forest. After that I headed west to Forks and then to La Push. It was amazing. It is so pretty there. The town was Twilight crazy of course. I ate at the Forks Diner and talked to some locals. It was such an experience. After Forks I drove south to Portland, OR where I picked up Jamie and Gina from the airport. We ventured around the city before heading to our friend Sheli’s house for one of the most amazing weekends I have ever had. I have not seen these girls in three years, but it was like yesterday we were all hanging out. We explored Tillamook, OR and drove up the Coast. We hit Cannon Beach, Ecola Park and Astoria. I could definitely see myself living there. It was paradise. Of course I might not think that in the winter months. While I was there Jamie and I did the Tillamook Milk Run. (we did the 2 mile portion) It was fun fun fun! So that is three things off my list
Went to Forks, WA – Check
Went somewhere new, Tillamook, OR – Check
Race #3 – Check

Actually, lets mark another one off. We went to the Cape Mears State Park and hiked up to the Octopus Tree.
Hike park #3- Check!

Here are some pictures of this great Adventure!

I started playing co-ed softball. Those of you who know me, know that this is a major thing. I am so very girly and if I could play in a skirt and swing a pink bat I would. Seeing as how I have not played since I was 9 years old, I was very nervous that first game. The umpire even commented on my nervousness. It has taken me about 8 games to actually start enjoying it. The last game we played I made two outs, got a hit and almost every time I threw the ball to the pitcher it made it. I will try and get some pictures up soon. We usually play on Tuesday and Thursday nights at the fairgrounds if anyone wants to come out and cheer us on.
Play a sport for fun – Check!

I took my niece Karagen on a “K day” adventure to Elk River Canoe Rental. We canoed, had a picnic, and played in the water. We loved it. Here are some pictures of that day.
Canoe #1 - Check

My business is going pretty good. I have been doing weddings, children’s portraits, parties and even took some pictures of night life in Downtown Nashville. Its still a slow process but I don’t think I could ask for a better start.
Sell my pictures – Check!

Hopefully the Fall season will be more productive as far as "The List" goes. We are planning a Camping/Canoeing trip the weekend of October 17th. There is also a 5k that morning I plan on doing. The Adirondack chair will hopefully be made by the end of October and I am in the market for a Banjo. Wish me luck!

Week Ending 6/14/09

2009-06-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

I have had 6 photo shoots this past week! It started with a wedding I was helping with, a shoot with Camille's dogs Oscar and Isaac, Holly and Chad's engagement,Jamie and Caleb, a Secret shooting (can't tell), and my cousin McKenzie's Senior Portraits. Here are some of my favorite ones from the week! You will be able to see more on my website. www.karriehillisphotography.com. They should be up by Tuesday.
Colby and Sarah's Wedding

Camille's dogs Oscar and Isaac

Holly and Chad's engagement Session featuring Chase

Caleb and Jamie

McKenzie Moore Senior Session

Remember my garden... well I picked and ate a few of the onions. Delicious!! and just look how pretty they look :)

I went hiking with my niece Karagen at Rutledge Falls where they filmed a scene from Hannah Montana the Movie.. She loved it. She was a little disapointed that we didn't get to swim... but it was freezing and the rain caused an early departure.

I have started running again. I've been getting up at 6:00 sometimes 5:30am to go run... Is that dedication or what? I am looking to run a race in July. Once I know which one I will post it.

I might try to go Canoeing this week. I have to check my schedule but I could definitely use the relaxation time. I have been going non stop... I need some outdoor time!

Friday night bookclub is going to read Eat, Pray, Love this time around. I have heard good things about it. Can't wait

Week of 5/29/09

2009-05-29T22:52:00.000-07:00

At precisely 12:37am my website www.Karriehillisphotography.com went live! I want to dance around the house screaming but it might wake everyone. Kind of stinks that I can’t share this excitement with anyone…everyone is either out or asleep. Lol.
It was a very exciting week. Hell, its been a very exciting past two weeks. I got to help Hope Smith with a wedding in Tullahoma, TN and she has asked for my assistance with another wedding June 6th, 2009. The first wedding was amazing. I had no idea how hard it would be but I loved every minute of it… Thank you Hope! I had a photo shoot with Amanda West’s kids. It was so much fun and they are precious. It was my first paying solo job!! I have two more shoots lined up in the near future and now that the website is up….the business is going to be pouring in (positive thinking).

Another piece of great news… I am going to Forks, WA on June 23rd. Some friends from California are getting together on the Oregon Coast the last weekend in June. After doing a little research, I found out that Forks is only a 5.5 hour drive from where we will be staying. I am going to fly in a day early and check it out. I am so excited. If anyone wants to join… let me know. I am going alone.

I am also planning a trip with Erica, Camille and Shea to go to Destin, FL July 1st-5th. Such a busy summer I am going to have! 

I have put off running since the last race but I started that back up this week… I have 8 more races to go, I can’t fall behind now.

I entered some pieces in the Appalachian Photography Salon contest in Kingsport, TN. I did not win but I have several more I am entering in the near future. I will win again, I will! (won previously in 2000)

I know it has nothing to do with “The List” but my niece Karagen graduated from Kindergarten…. It was an exciting night for her. We went to dinner, she got presents and then we had a little party for her when she got home. So fun!… she is the cutest thing alive! Here are a few pictures from the night

I feel that there is so much more to tell but I can't get over my website starting! Its taken me weeks.

I will try and update in the next few days!!

Spring Time Maddness

2009-05-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

I feel that I have not had a moment of rest in weeks, heck months. Its been super busy in my life and I have a couple of exciting things going on. First off I have started my own business! Yes, I did it... well I am in the process. Karriehillisphotography.com Check it out and tell me what you think. Its just a basic site for now, it took me a whole weekend to finish. (It was highly frustrating)
I had two photo shoots this past weekend. The first was a Photo shoot with Erica and Kris. They wanted some "Save the Date" photos. It was fun and I was nervous but they were great to work with and we all had a blast. Here are a few photos from the shoot.

My second shoot was with Karagen. Of course I love shooting her, she has the best expressions. Here is a few from that shoot

I have some photos hanging in Capalano's on the square. I am entering in a contest up in Kingsport on May 22. I have another engagement photo session on June 7th and a wedding on July 25th. I completely excited about all of this I am having a hard time containing my enthusiasm. :)Please spread the word if you know of anyone needing a photographer.

I spent the past couple of weeks in East Tennessee. I did some fishing up there and worked on an Afghan for my mom. What do you think... it was fun to make but took forever.

Also I helped plant a garden. I will take some pictures of it this week so you can see the progress. With all this rain we should have corn, tomatoes, cucumbers and squash in no time. (we planted a lot more than that)

So.. lets see I can cross Fishing and Starting my Business off the list.

As for the website, if anyone has some suggestions for it or if you have a website and want me to link to it please just let me know. We have to help each other out so that we can all prosper! (cheesy but true)

I should have another update in a week or two.

Here are a couple of other shots I just love....

Week of 4/22/09

2009-04-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

Update Time!!!!!

I ran the Tree City 5K with my friend Erica…. We tied for third! It was fun. So that is two races down! I have another race on May 9^th.

We celebrated Erica's 30th Birthday on April 18th!!!

Its time to start planting the garden, I will post some pictures once things start to grow. The onions I planted last month are doing good… almost all of them are coming

up.

I’ve been taking photos like mad and am entering a contest at the end of May!! Wish me luck, major prize money! I also have some photographs at Capalano’s in McMinnville.

http://www.capalanos.com/index.php Once the display is finished I will post pictures.

Erica and her fiancé Kris are going to let me take their “save the date” photos, so that is exciting!!

I have a friend coming to so see me, or I am going to see her and she is going to teach me how to knit a sweater. I am awesome at some scarves… J

Pictures soon to come... I am having some trouble uploading them

Week Ending 3/22/09

2009-03-22T20:43:00.000-07:00

Week ending 3/22/09

I feel so behind, things have been so hectic I haven’t had time to post what I have been up too.
The weekend before St. Patrick’s Day I went to Wilmington, NC for the Steve Haydu St. Patrick’s Day Lo-tide 5K run. It was so much fun, but freezing. We got there a few days early to look around Wilmington, cutest city ever. I could see myself living there. Back to the run, I ran the 5k in 38:28. http://www.lotiderun.org/results/94-5k-overall-list
I am 489 down the list…. In the middle, not too shabby! (I have a goal to beat my time on April 18th)
I was proud of that especially since that last part was on the sand. Talk about hard, I just knew I was going to throw up on the guy that was handing out water to the runners after they cross the finish line. I did not puke, thank goodness but I so wanted too. This picture was taken right before the race… we were hiding out in the car because it was freezing and cold!!! Mom forgot to take any other pictures…lol
So the run in Wilmington marks two off my list, going somewhere new and race one of ten. I am on my way!
If anyone hears of any 5k’s or 10k’s coming up… pass along the info to me and I come run it!

Here are a couple of other pictures from Wilmington. If you know where the picture on the bleachers is…. You get bonus points!!!

Mom on Riverwalk in front of one of the ships

Mom and I on Riverwalk
Riverwalk

Hanging out on Riverwalk Where is this OTH fans????
Kim!!! She came down for a visit, I haven't seen her in years. We had the best time on the haunted pub crawl!! - where is the little hobbit and her military man? ha ha ha

The Garden – My dad and I started a section of the garden two weeks ago. We are going to plant a few things in the main back yard and the other veggies will be across the field. Here is a before and after picture. We planted white and red onions so far. Apparently we can’t plant the other things until the last “frost” day has past (April 15).

Before

After

I purchased a sewing machine. I have not used it yet but it is on my to-do list this week. Erica and I had a “sewing” date planned but we got side tracked with wedding stuff so next Sunday is a serious sewing day. I think an apron is going to be my first project. Wish me luck!

The book club has been on hold. We have all been so busy, but we have a book club date this Friday night!

I went hiking in Fall Creek Falls the Sunday before last. It was a great day. Beautiful outside and the weather was awesome. I hiked from the main falls to the nature center and all around that area. Those who have been there know that it a pretty far walk from one to the other. Not exactly sure the distance I walked but it was a great workout. If you have not been I highly recommend it!
http://www.fallcreekfalls.org

Now that things are getting back to normal I should be able to update this more frequently. I will add some of the photographs I have been taking next time...

Week of 2/26/2009

2009-02-27T07:15:00.000-08:00

It’s been crazy and busy lately. I thought as my grandmother got stronger I wouldn’t be needed as much but that seems to not be the case. I am down there pretty much everyday, all day. I am exhausted! However, I have found time to take some cool pictures, figure out what I am going to grow in the garden, run some and even do some wood work. My dad is going to teach me how to do some edge detailing this weekend I hope. – Pictures soon to come.

Photographs
I drove around one day through the Rock Island area. I was just driving. Going down roads I’ve never been, stopping to get out and look around. I ended up in some neat places along the water. This picture here was taken on the way to Horseshoe Bend. I had never been there before. I’ve heard of it throughout the years, but never actually been there. It is gorgeous! I took off last Monday to take some more pictures but I have not gotten them developed yet. I will post some when I get them. I do have a few ideas for the book/calendar collection… still working on it though

The Garden
Really the only thing that I have figured out thus far is what I am going to be planting… Here is a list of what I am going to grow:
Onions (red and white)
Zucchini
Squash
Cucumbers
Tomatoes
Corn
Green Beans
Okra
Red and Green Peppers

My dad got me some onions to plant because apparently they are to be planted in cooler weather… If it’s not raining we are supposed to work on that this weekend too.
If I get good at this ya’ll will have to come to the Farmer’s Market and buy some of my veggies. Ha ha ha

Running
I ran several times this past week. I had a really good run last week. I did some interval training to try and get a little faster. It was a great workout…. I am still recovering.
I registered for the lotide run in North Carolina!! - Carolina Beach here I come!

http://www.lotiderun.org/

I am unable to run the race in Chattanooga on the 28th but I am going to try and find another one to run in March to make up for it.

The Cancer 3 Day walk isn’t panning out. You have to raise an insane amount of money to even be eligible and if you don’t raise the set amount you have to pay the difference and will be unable to participate. No one really liked that idea. I have come across a 2 day walk that is put on my Avon. I haven’t done the research yet but it’s on my list to do this week. Hopefully that will work out because I really want to do something like that this year.

The List, Week Ending 2/15/08

2009-02-15T11:44:00.000-08:00

So much has happened in the past two weeks. I was sick, my grandmother had to be hospitalized a couple of times and once she came home she has needed 24/7 care. I've had to take on a lot of that time so I have not had a lot of free time to work on The List. This past week though, I have made some time for myself. I have ran a couple of times. Once I ran 2.5 miles and Friday (2/13/08) I ran 3.25, 4 if count some walking. So now the yearly total of miles run is 10.25. That's not too bad considering I really didn't do anything for 2 weeks. Speaking of running, the Tree City 5k has been postponed until some time in April I think. I did some research and found a race in Chattanooga on Feb. 28 that I can run so that I at least participate in one this month. Melanie and I are starting to plan our trip to Carolina Beach, NC to run the lotide 5k in March. I am very excited about that one.

Other updates: The Friday Night Book club made a last minute trip to see Confessions of a Shopaholic on Friday night. It was hilarious. Not really like the book but we laughed and laughed. We are Part Two of Firefly Lane. Its been a slow process because everyone had something going on the past few weeks but we are back on schedule.

I am going today to take some photographs and get some ideas of what I am going to do with them. I haven't put much thought into the photographs yet but today will be a good start. I never really know what I will take them of... it just comes to me when I am out there with the camera. If I come up with anything good I will post them on here and on imagekind.com

Hopefully next week will be filled with more interesting things and accomplishments.

The List, Week Ending 1/24/09

2009-01-24T13:26:00.000-08:00

I had such a busy week...

I started working on the list hard core Monday morning. I went to my friend Natasha yesterday and had her add pink highlights to my hair. I love it. What do you think? I can now cross that item off "the list"

The Friday Night Book Club finished its first book Confessions of a Shopaholic. Hilarious book and we will have a "book club field trip" to see the movie when it comes out. ha ha

We had dinner at TGI Fridays and drank beer and margaritas. Its turned into more of a therapy session than a book club. My mom being the Therapist. Its fun though, she teaches us lots we need to know and lots we didn't know. The books are out core reason for meeting but the chit chatting is the icing on the cake. We learned about.. well I'm not sure that should be posted on here. I will just say women had to do some very interesting things in there time and our generation has it so easy!

We are starting Firefly Lane this week. There is to be a new member, Lindsay Strickland, joining us this coming Friday evening. Everyone is very excited that she is going to be a part of our Friday Night Book Club.

*pictures of The Friday Night Book Club soon to come

I started my running program that will help me run in at least 10 races this year. Week total of miles ran is 3. So only 197 more to go to reach my goal.

I did some research on some races in the coming months.

Here are a few races I plan on running in.

Feb 21 Tree City 5K- McMinnville, TN

March 15 Lotide Run (5K or 10K) - Carolina Beach, NC

April TBD Dibrell 5K - McMinnville, TN

June 7 Lions club 5K - Smyrna, TN

June 14 Riverbend Run 5K - Chattanooga, TN

August 9 Cherokee Running Bare 5K - Crossville, TN

Sept 27 Greenway 5K - McMinnville, TN

Oct 11 Murfreesboro 1/2 Marathon - Murfreesboro, TN

Oct 18 Run Away Pig Race 3.6 mile run - Dunlap, TN

Nov 9 Jingle Bell Run 5K - Chattanooga, TN

This of course are just tentative except ones that are in bold

I may find better or different ones in the future.

Wood Working! As part of my Participation in a Craft Fair, I have decided to make some things along with selling my photographs. My dad and I had a teaching session this morning. He showed me how to use a radial arm saw, hand saw and table saw. We talked types of wood and what and what could not be run through the sander. (there was a more technical term for that but I forget).

This will also help me when it comes time to make my chair.

Also, I am currently organizing a group to participate in the Cancer 3 day Walk in Atlanta on October 23. If anyone wants to be a part of our team just let me know. Email me at karriehillis@gmail.com It should be a fun time and help support a great cause.

That is it so far. I will have another update next week.

The time is now

2009-01-16T10:15:00.000-08:00

Everyone makes resolutions to quit this or do less of that in the year to come. I have made a list of things I am going to do. I talk a lot about what I want to do and for some reason I never make the time. I don't make it a priority, then a few years later I still want to do that something special. Its time to start doing those things and I am going to make them happen. I am going to list what it is I want to do and I am going to record it all here. I may add things but I will not take away from this list. I will document my progress, experiences and accomplishments on here. This is not a complete list of all I want to do in life this is just a list for what I want to do this year. I mean"what I AM going to do this year"

Go to Forks, WA
Go Fishing
Make a quilt
Enter Photography Contest
Learn to Sew
Make an Adirondack chair
Grow a Garden
Buy a Banjo
Learn to play the Banjo
Write a Book
Sell my Pictures
Knit a Sweater
Hike at least 6 Parks
Camp 3 times
Canoe 2 times
Start a book club
Start my Business
Get my own place
Cancer 3 day walk
Participate in a craft fair
Play a sport for fun
Go to 2 new places (camping and canoe trips don't count)
Run 200 miles
Dye my hair pink
Fix up Jeep
Take more Photographs
Make Jewelry
Compete in at least 10 races this year
Learn to blow glass, weld or something similar
Complete photo collection for book or calendar
Submit Card ideas to a company
Wear a sexy two piece this summer