...yep. Ever since we booked our plane tickets I've had it in my head that we leave on a Tuesday. Nope. Turns out July 3rd is a MONDAY and so we leave ONE WEEK FROM TOMORROW! Crazy! I know one day doesn't seem like much but it all just seems so real now. In one week we are leaving Malaysia for good. I know we'll be back to visit some day -- after all, Levi was born here -- but this will no longer be home. Now I can go back to knowing how to answer the question "where are you from" and knowing what to write on forms that ask for country of residence. One more week. Mixed feelings.
Okay, so I've been super busy. Fun stuff, but still really busy. And I am still trying to figure out my priorities when it comes to scrapping. I love it all -- the memories, the creativity, the community, etc. But there isn't time for everything so I have to figure out how (and why) I want to spend my time the way I do. It's all a bit confusing but I am sure I will figure it out.
I've done some scrapping this weekend but I can't share many of the LO's. A lot are for upcoming kit releases so I can't post quite yet. But I do have one that I just love....it's Levi's two month LO. Isn't he the SWEETEST!?
I used Michelle Coleman's BIRTHDAY BOY/BIRTHDAY GIRL kit at Scrapartist. I just love, love, love Michelle's stuff. There was a 25% off sale this week so I grabbed me some goodies!
Oh wait. I do have another I can share. I forgot about this one. I used Dani Mogstad's CABANA BOY kit (Love this!) and Michelle Coleman's new hand-stamped brushes.
I got a great book this week, too. We had some gift certificates we needed to use up so I picked up Scott Kelby's THE PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 4 BOOK FOR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHERS. Oh my....it's awesome. It just makes me realize 1)Photoshop Elements, while lacking some really cool stuff that PSCS has, is still a VERY powerful program and 2) I know how to use so little of it! I mean seriously...I can do a lot in PSE and yet there is sooooo much I don't know about (or know about but don't know how to maximize its usage.) So, I worked a bit this weekend on color correction and conversions. Here's a peek...
The first one was a photo that I color corrected my "old way." See how washed out Alaina's skin is? The second one is my new and improved color correction. The third one is my b&w conversion the "old way". Notice all the yucky gray? The final one is my new and improved b&w conversion. I still have a lot to learn but man am I liking my progress!
Okay, I think that's it for me. I'll probably check in later in the week but I have soooo much to do. And not just packing...but projects I am working on, gifts I am making, saying goodbye, etc. Have a great week!
Sounds like you are making the most of your last weeks there! Yeah for learning new things with Photoshop, I love discovering new tricks & tips. We're headed out for vacation for a week and I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do without my computer for a week (any computer for that matter). Have a safe trip, I'll be praying for you and I'll catch up with you once you are state-side again!
Posted by: Erika | June 26, 2006 at 08:20 PM
Janet - just wanted to drop in and thank you so much for your book recommendation. I bought Scott Kelby's book last night and it is incredible. My B&W conversions and color photos look about 300% better. I also tried shooting in RAW for the first time and the pictures are amazing!! Thank you so much for giving us the heads up on this!
Posted by: LauraKaye | June 27, 2006 at 06:55 AM
Oh WOW--the new conversions/corrections are SUPER!!!! I've looked at Scott Kelby's books before but never bought one. Guess it's high time I did-LOL! Anyhow, hope you enjoy your last few days there to the fullest and that you have safe and problem free travels. --Hollie
Posted by: PaulineLucille | June 29, 2006 at 09:05 PM