October already?
What happened to September?
Firstly, I want to thank those who wrote me asking about sessions. At the time being,I can’t take on any session in Vancouver anymore. One mom-to-be gave me the perfect scenario. Maternity session with hubby & family dog at Kits beach and I had to turn it down. You don’t know how heartbreaking that is for me to say no. I’m trying to establish a presence here in South Surrey In the meantime, I’m volunteering at my kids’ new school and scouting out for new locations.
September was such a glance at the calendar. My 12th wedding (wait, I didn’t have a wedding. Should I just say marriage?) anniversary, my husband’s birthday, then my son’s and just a few days ago, my daughter’s. Phew.
On my kids’ birthdays I’ve always done a short children photography session. This year, we just shot in the upstairs den.
For the first time, I tried a lavander cupcake recipe. It didn’t fuse enough in the cake though. I also made hello kitty jelly.
My daughter just turned 7. I took a couple of pics at night while she was practising her spelling.
I organized a last minute birthday playdate for her friends. As a take home goodie bag, I made Hello Kitty (ok, I like HK, hehe) cake pops and got the kids to draw eyes and whiskers with an icing pen.
The kids had fun. I had fun. 
Seattle
After living here for over a decade, I’ve never gone to Seattle. Can you believe that? No wait, I haven’t even been to Bellingham until two years ago and after moving to South Surrey, I have went there two more times. I’m such a bad border shopper.
So when my friend Phoebe visited me end of July and we were playing with the idea of doing a long drive with our kids. I mentioned I haven’t been to Seattle and she said, let’s do it. And we did.
The kids were excited at the start and as kids they grew restless and bored after a while into the ride. We were pretty happy we finally saw the Space Needle.
We didn’t plan on going up but the kids wanted to. (We should have bought the citypass but we didn’t expect to do much in a day trip)
This is me doing a self-portrait. You can see Phoebe (in the background) threatening to throw her son’s toy out of the tower, LOL!!
So sad. We were caged up there.
Seattle in the summer smog.
After walking around for 15 mins and spending over a hundred bucks, we got out of there because the kids were whinning that they were hungry. Phoebe went to get her car while we walked to the nearby McD.
After lunch, we drove to the wharf and walked around.
We finally found the famous Public Market after a while. No one was throwing fishes around though. 
The first Starbucks coffee shop. It was so crowded inside and outside because this is the FIRST Starbucks that started it all. Did I say that already?
We went to the Aquarium too and then early dinner at The Cheesecake Factory (I know, I know. I love Cheesecake Factory). The Cajun Jambalaya Pasta is out of this world!!!!
Before heading home, we drove to view point Kerry Park. It was a whirlwind trying to find our way there. We asked two locals. One said it’s up on a hill so basically just drive upward (huh?). Another said he has no clue. But we found it via google map on my iphone (again, I didn’t go for the special data roaming package and finding Kerry Park costs me over $100 this month phone bill!)
This is me and Phoebe.
Downtown Seattle from Kerry Park. Beautiful.
It was a great long drive. Thanks Phoebe.
What a busy summer….
Wow! I can’t believe the kids will be going back to school in a week. I’ll be having a 2nd Grader and a 5th Grader this coming term. Time flies.
Surprisingly, I took up my husband’s invite to join him in San Francisco early this month when he had to there for work stuff. My kids finally said, “Ok mommy. Who is going to take care of us?” Instead of, “I want to go too!” and my mom-in-law finally said, “Sure.”
Those four days were the FIRST time in TEN YEARS (Yes, 10!) hubby & I went on vacay without the kids. It was a wonderful change from a family vacation. I loved it and welcome it. I bet the next time we won’t have to wait 10 years again for a twosome holiday.
And where did I first go?
Google’s campus!!! It was huge and I had fun driving around.
I’m not going to bore everyone with all the places I went to. A few highlights include: driving on the Golden Gate Bridge. I was as excited as a 5 year old.
@Vista Point:
Muir Woods. Ok, not very exciting – at least to me. Similar to the rainforest in North Van except you have to pay to go in. Tip: eat lunch before you go. A free range egg sandwich costs like $6!
Crissy Field. You have to go. I heart this place. Great place to take a stroll and look at the bay view. You can see downtown:
The Bridge:
The Rock:
We walked down Lombard (the crooked street) but I wasn’t impressed. But the view towards Coit Tower was really good.
Places I didn’t go:
Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcratraz or Sausalito. Didn’t take the cable car either.
Crazily, I did enjoy Sunnyvale and Santa Clara/San Jose. And of course, what’s a visit to a US city without eating at The Cheesecake Factory? I went to the one at San Jose and at Macy’s Building across Union Square. We stayed at the Handlery. It wasn’t bad at the Premier rooms.
Union Square from Cheesecake Factory’s patio.
Some street scenes:
After checking out from Handlery, we went to Twin Peaks but the fog was rolling in. It was cold too.
That’s my little excursion. Love it after not travelling for some time. The next week, my friend & I drove our kids to Seattle for a day trip. Wowza! I’ve missed travelling and am glad I got to do some this summer. What about you?
My summer cuties
I’ve been cutting down on sessions work before I moved. I’m still settling down in our new place but there are so many things you need to do but you just want to put them aside. But I’m glad I got this opportunity to photograph these cuties.
Big sister is not shy at all in front of the camera.
She’s giving me all the attention. Well, for at least 5 seconds. 
I heart this one even though I shot this blindly holding the camera away. Her expression is so priceless.
I love triptych because they convey a sense of movement, motion.
Now, did I say Big Sister has a Cutie Little Brother?
Mom says he’s slightly moody as he needs a nap. So, sometimes he doesn’t want to smile.
At times, he does!
The kids have this cute frog bubble maker. Big Sister was having fun spreading all the bubbles on Little Brother and Little Brother said no more. He tried to walk away but Big Sister was having too much fun.
Ah… childhood.
In another life, not so long ago.. Part 2
When summer comes along, I always remembered the fun days I did weddings. Shooting all day in the heat is not that fun but when I looked through the pictures I took, I just smiled.
One very memorable wedding I did was the simplest of weddings. Just two picnic tables with the ceremony down at the beach with families and friends. The warmth and love exuded by everyone was overwhelming. I wish most couples would opt for this simple wedding and if you are, let me know. I might just untangle from my promise that I won’t do weddings again
Impromptu engagement session. Guy just hopped off the plane from Sweden.
The Wedding Day.
The couple now lives in Sweden with their baby girl.
Busy days…
I’m so clogged up with DIY renos on our new home. I still have boxes and luggages all over the place and I need to get our new home on track before I tackle other things.
Still unpacking and finally a new computer!
I’ve replied to some of you who emailed about sessions. As of right now, I’ve just gotten a new computer (after my old trusty one smoked and sizzled!) and trying to get all my software in order. That takes time and I still have to get our new place in order.
I’m thinking of just doing affordable mini sessions (30 mins) in South Surrey/White Rock (which is where I’m based now). I haven’t decided on the new package yet so I will have to sit down and work this plan out. If this doesn’t work, I may have to skip 2010 sessions altogether
Settling in
Ok so we have moved three weeks ago and I still have boxes and boxes everywhere. I have sort of given up unpacking and I don’t care about it anymore. I seriously doubt I will be able to do any photography sessions this season. Just so much to do.
I’m moving!
I’m moving from Burnaby. I thought of announcing this after I’ve settled down into the new home but I’ve received queries. I’m sorry I can’t take on any sessions for the time being. I’ll be introducing new affordable packages too. So stay tuned!
HAPPY 2010!!
Another year comes to an end but a great year is opening up to us. Take your challenge, explore the horizons and be happy.
Have a great new year! See you in spring.
Cool! I’m mentioned on Vancouvermom.ca today.
Thank you, Christine.
Click on the page to link you to the interview.
That’s it for this year.. thank you.
Another year ends. Time flies by measuring how fast your babies grow. I can sure attest to that. It wasn’t that long ago, I was enjoying my 2nd baby and blink, she’s in Grade 1!
I always tell my moms clients this. Photograph your babies whenever you can yourself. With your own camera or cellphone. Save some money and have your family portraits done by a professional every year if you can afford it. You won’t regret it. Why? Because someone else will see your family different and you will be surprised how you or your babies are captured in pictures.
At least, you will be in the pictures as well.
To cap off this year, here’s the baby brother of the most fun girl I featured earlier.
Precious babe with his daddy. Daddy isn’t that bad on the eyes either, hahaha!
This pic looks similar to a 3D ultrasound picture!
My new season starts in March or April 2010. I will keep you posted here.
Have a great holidays and a happy new year.
In another life, not so long ago…
I used to photograph weddings. This is one of my favourite pictures. Did a poster and gave it free to the bride and groom. They framed it and it’s now hanging in their house.
Precious!
Seldom a high energy toddler takes my attention away from the main subject that I was hired to photograph. Mom hired me to photograph her new baby brother and maybe just a few shots of big sister. But I ended with an equal amount of pictures of big sister. That’s because she has the most infectious smile. She coaxed me into getting her out of the crib and then we made a mess of mom’s & dad’s bed. Then, we play in the living room and in the backyard with dad. Phew!
But as you scroll down to view her pictures, you can see that she encapsulates what a great, happy childhood every kid should go through.
I am innocent!!
Get me out of here!!!
Had a blast!!
I didn’t expect to enjoy a rock show but I was blown away at U2′s 360 degree gig at BC Place last night. Favourite rendition: Stuck In A Moment You Can’t Get Out Of. Love the atmosphere. But alas, a Vancouver concert is not complete without the smell of pot.
Black Eyed Peas opened for U2.
Then, U2 hits the stage for over 2 hours!
Pro-D day – every parents’ favourite day…
Not! So, here I am with my kids, at home on this dreadful rainy, cold Friday. I should have maybe not insisted my hubby takes the car to work coz now I’m car-less and I need my shot of McD’s coffee to get through the day.
So, to counter this gray day, here are some fall colour shots I took before all the leaves ended up on the ground. I really should put up pictures of the moms & babies instead.
Birthdays galore!
September is a month of celebration in my family. One week after another.
My anniversary, my hubby’s birthday, my son’s birthday and today, my daughter’s. For the kids, I’ll have a mini birthday photo session with them. It’s so humbling to see them grow up and these pictures taken on their birthdays are mine to treasure.
Been busy…
Since the kids went back to school, I’ve been busy. Added to that stress, I am looking for a bigger place. With all those 500k homes, there is little left to choose.
One of the things I had been looking forward to in September was the Pet Shop Boys concert on 19th. I’ve been a fan since their first album “Please” came out. I sweared Chris Lowe would fall in love with me (I didn’t exactly know “what” was “really” happening then) but 25 years on and I’ve finally met him, there was nothing! On my part or his!! He’s this goofy guy who can really talk a lot. He’s a genius at the keyboards and looks fantastic in his designer clothes.
My friend & I were lucky to take a picture with Neil Tennant. Apparently, taking a picture with either one of them (Chris doesn’t do pictures anymore) is a miracle!
The concert itself was pretty energetic. I didn’t have high hopes of the production being very techy (like Madonna’s); they had collapsible boxes piled up as background and 4 dancers dressed in boxes. But it was a good party. I enjoyed being a teen again and I had a fantastic front row seat right in front of Chris ( stared at him when I wanted to).
Next in October… Black Eyed Peas and U2!!
My gripe about Budget & Save Painters
So, I needed to repaint my entire condo. Didn’t really know any painters so hubby circled someone in the Yellow Pages called Budget & Save Painters. The projects he showcased in the website was a bit impressive. He got Pottery Barn and Starbucks. Initial correspondence with Kerry Jamie Williams was fast and he came to check out the place and gave me an estimate of just over $1000 excluding paint & materials. This doesn’t cover the ceiling but all walls, trims, doors and baseboard. Since my walls have mostly nicks and dents, I didn’t want to do it myself. He said he would come on Monday to do the prep work, then work till Friday. After Monday, change of plans. He hadto finish an exterior work and as the weather was forecasted to rain from Thursday, he said he would only be back on Thurs. I said ok. So, we lived two days with all our stuff muddled in the centre of the rooms. He told me he charged $49/h and he would do 2 coats. Guess what? He used this thick hi-hide paint which if your walls are ok, he wouldn’t even do a 2nd coat. He would even lied to say he did. (I saw he didn’t and I asked. He said he did!) Even if he did, he just streaked a huge M across the wall and that’s his 2nd coat. Prep work was very badly done. There were so many nicks & dents that he didn’t bothered to fill and sand. He painted over it. He only worked 4 hours a day and he jumped off to his other site in the afternoon. This whole week, we have been living with a huge mess of a place.
On the third day (yesterday), I googled him and found his site called www.homestars.com. Oh man, Kerry Jamie Williams have two reviews and both were bad and they were exactly described. He was lazy, incompetent (he always say “I’ve been doing this since 1953″. What a BS!) and unprofessional (doesn’t arrive on the time he said he would). I was pissed off at him for arriving an hour late yesterday and after reading the homestars review, I just got him to work on all touch ups. He complained this and that but I think he knew I was angry.
Today, being the last day of the project, I monitored his every paintbrush he did on the doors and trim. He kept saying “You are making me nervous.” Well, he should be. I pointed out at some parts which weren’t painted and he said “I’m not done yet.” but he had already moved on to another door.
At the end of it, I just wanted to pay him to get rid of him. Of course, the total bill was over estimated by $900 (charged me $59 an hour instead). I paid for all paints but he wanted to keep them. At least, I got him to pour out that expensive high gloss $72/gallon paint. I guess it’s a standard practice by contractors to charge materials and keep them if unused but next time, I’m buying the paint/materials.
I still have a couple of touch ups to do by myself.
I am sure there are honest and professional contractors out there. You just need to find them. Before you hire someone, read the reviews in homestars.com or google.
I’ve learned my lesson.
3 more weeks till school!!
Yay!! But the downside is that I have to start waking uo at 7am again.
Early August, we took a coach trip to the Canadian Rockies. On paper, it sounded wonderful. 4 days 3 nights. From Vancouver to Kamloops, Banff, Jasper to Calgary to Kelowna and back. In reality, it is one tiring journey. We decided to take this tour because (1) 2 other families we know were going (2) we didn’t want to drive because my kids especially our daughter always whine when she’s gonna get there and how bored she is every 5 mins. That drives us nutty even when we only drive to Maple Ridge. (3) we took the discounted package (less meals)
Sitting on a “luxurious” coach has its advantages. We are seated high up and the AC’s great. The down side to it are you can’t really photograph the scenery as reflections appear on the windows and too much information on minor stuff but still I learned a lot about the Fraser River and the mountains and how important everything is. Rightly so. And secondly, the driving takes about 2 hours from anywhere to somewhere.
Here’s a map of our route.
Day 1: Kamloops for lunch at Tim Horton’s. Earlier we went to a ginseng factory. We weren’t that interested in the process. My mother-in-law requested me to buy 2lbs of cut ginseng for her but the price was exorbitant! Then off we went to Spahats Falls. It’s a bit impressive to me – the sheer height of the ridge. My daughter will tell you that there were too many mosquitoes chasing after her. It was a surprise to see someone you know from the city visiting the same Falls.
Then it’s another 2 hours to Valemount for the night. The next morning, we had to be at the bus by 7:15am. We drove a short way to Mt Robson Visitors Centre. The early morning cloud was shrouding the top of Mt Robson but it was a beautiful morning. (pic below: Mt Robson on the right)
Then, we drove again to Athabasca Falls. I am more impressive with his fall because the water was like thundering down crazily from a very lazy river. I guess like macho waterfalls.
Atabascha Glacier is next. The last time, I was there in 2001 it was November and bloody cold. Now, in summer it’s pretty warm. What hasn’t changed is how bloody touristy it is over there and the food is still as expensive as ever. Nevertheless, as much I like to groan about it, I like sitting on that snowmobile and being on top of that glacier.
Top Pic: Panorama of Atabascha Glacier.
Left: Going up the glacier.
Below: My kids on the snow mobile.
To be continued.
Our trip to Nanaimo in July
We had an enjoyable time. We went with three other family friends for 2 days/1 night.
Parksville Community Park
The dog loves it too.
Picking oysters at Nanoose Bay.
Goats on the Roof at Coombs
On our ferry ride home on the Coastal Rennaisance.
Where did the pics go? Doh! It’s my fault.
I immigrated my old blog back here from a server and the pics don’t show up anymore. I just learned that xml files don’t carry images and I have to manually add all the images again. Hmm… not sure if I want to do that because I have hundreds of pictures in my old blog. So, please stay with me patiently while I revamp this blog including finding a way to showcase my work in a gallery. Maybe more time in September when the kids are at school. (YAY!)
Anyway, this will be a more personal blog than my photography business. I still photograph and if you are interested for a session, email me and we will talk.
Update: I manually uploaded pictures to several posts till Oct ’08. I’ll save my wordpress storage space for new pictures instead
