J.L. Doering

Hello, everyone! As you heard last time, Linsey and I finally moved into our new home in OKC. We’ve been working at our new (professional) jobs for a few weeks now and I must say, It’s a LOT harder than I thought it would be!

For starters, I’ve worked at Arby’s and Walgreens my entire working career, with the exception of the Weatherford Daily News. So going into a mortgage company with no experiance in house work, not knowing the language really stinks, too because I feel like the new kid in school (again!).

Linsey is adapting well, her eye is feeling and looking so much better since she had her surgery. I have to admit I hated seeing her in that kind of pain, but she feels 10X better now because of it.

Cap and Rival are still their crazy selves, running back and forth in our new home every time we come home, excited to go out and play.

As far as my photography goes, I’m still learning as much as I can. I’ve become comfortable with it just in time for new chalenges. One of those chalanges is the name of my business. Apparently someone has already come up with the sudio name “Shutter Bug Studio”, so my consulting team (Linsey and myself) have come up with a new name that I will be revealing soon, with my new website!

Last but not least, Linsey and I are happier than ever! we are surving the ‘big city’ together and cannot wait to see what else God has in store for our lives together!

…And into the oasis of hope!”

It is *so* crazy how things can change so quickly.  A couple of months ago, Josh and I were stressing over more bills & less money while furiously applying for (almost) every job listed on Craigslist and in the classifieds. Now, we are jumping for joy and thanking God – We found jobs in Oklahoma City!! We will be working for the same company (Midland Mortgage) full time, better pay and medical benefits for both of us! God is AWESOME.

But, along with this amazing news came disappointing news as well: Last Wednesday, the cataract that has been on my right eye for years decided to break off and move to the front of my eye: THE DAY I WAS HIRED! Ugh. So, I’m having surgery October 10th to remove it…which was supposed to be both of our start dates at the new company.

So, we are pushing our start date to October 17th and have a week off for me to re-coup from the surgery and to get our new house in order. It’ll be nice to organize everything, clean & celebrate our one year anniversary *before* we have to worry about starting the new jobs. The duplex is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath with a fireplace and a small *fenced in* backyard! The dogs are going to love the extra room and I’m excited for a roaring fireplace in the winter time.    We officially start living there next Saturday!

This Saturday though is Czech Day and I couldn’t be more excited!! I absolutely *love* seeing all of my family, celebrating our heritage and eating my traditional sauerkraut klobasy sandwich! YUM! I think I’m also going to sample a roasted ear of corn…they look scrumptious as well!

I hope all of you have a blessed weekend!

- Linsey

Hello, all!

I guess time flies when you’re having fun…and looking for jobs, paying bills and trying to get used to not attending school any more!

Since the last time Linsey and I wrote, we were looking into Durango, CO for our permanent moving location. After a ton of thinking, praying and rolling over all the details, (I think) we have it settled to move to the city (Edmond), and plant our roots there. I’m very excited about this because some of our close friends moved there recently.

In other news, Linsey is even closer to having her first book published! She and a friend are looking into publishers as I write. To say the least I’m VERY excited for her. My photography is still on the slow track to taking off, but that’s okay…It gives me more time with Linsey and our boys. Even though Linsey finally agreed to do a shoot around town with me on Monday! Speaking of Captain and Rival, they are doing great! Cap is still yodeling every morning to go to outside, grandpa and to play. Linsey has done an excellent job with both of their training because Rival has not been worked very much in the last month or two because of everything going on, BUT did nearly perfect last night! I’m so very proud of all of her accomplishments!

I think that’s a majority of what’s been going on the last few months with us…

…Is pretty much the main thing that’s been on my mind as of late; especially considering we’ve been suffering through temps up to 112 degrees…and it’s only early July! Yuck-o.

It certainly hasn’t been all bad, though.  

Rival is doing much more better in his “sit from a down”. Yesterday evening he did 6 in a row in one spot! He is, however, trying to creep forward which isn’t being tolerated AT ALL…but other than that, he gets LOTS of praise and lovin’! He is now off leash in everything else, though the leash is always nearby lest he decides to lose his head and do something nutty. (What’s the chance of that…LOL.) Captain is his usual squirrel hunting, cat loving, Frisbee fanatic self. I did have to put meds in his ear last week because it had become really red but it’s back to normal now.

The reason I mentioned Durango earlier was not only because it’s cooler there but also because Josh might have a shot at a photography job there. Yeah, we were in shock, too. I have been wanting to live in Colorado ever since we started vacationing there 20 years ago. He actually applied for a job in Carbondale (which is west of Denver but still in the mountains) that stated: “Competitive salary, benefits, 401(k) and vacation time.” How many photography studios do you know of that offers THAT? The main photographer is evidently top notch and has won several awards and has had his pictures on major magazine covers like Outdoor Life.

While we’re still waiting to hear back from him, this other photography studio (which Josh randomly emailed his resume to – they didn’t have a job posting) contacts us Monday (6.25) telling us they will contact Josh as soon as they get back into town – they were on an out of town shoot for a week. Crazy! He is so hopeful and I know God is on His side! 

I’ve been applying like crazy to Durango’s local college and other companies. One of the coolest parts of this is that if Josh is granted an interview, Rehab will help pay for gas & hotel fees AND if we end up moving – they said they could also help with relocation fees! Awesome!!

Also, my internet friend, Cheryl has edited and re-edited my kid’s book and just sent it to me today. It is fantastic! She has done such an awesome job and has certainly went above and beyond in her efforts. I am going to show it to a few local kids and get their reaction then make more changes if necessary. After that, it’s writing query letters and trying to get it to a publisher! I truly appreciate all of the work she’s done; I certainly couldn’t have done it without her. 

P90X is going AMAZING. Josh & I measured ourselves last Sunday. He lost 6 1/2 inches and I’ve lost 11 1/2! Round 1 was so good to us…we started Round 2 this Monday and have been going strong! Our clean eating is still on track and we love our new lifestyle. It feels so good to FEEL ALIVE! 

I know this was an extremely long post but it’s been a while since I’ve updated.    I hope everyone has a wonderful July 4th Weekend. I can’t believe the year is halfway over already!

- Linsey

Hello, everybody!

Since the last time I’ve posted, I have gone through some pretty awesome transitions. First of all, I’ve graduated from SWOSU and am now looking for a great full time job. The second thing going on in my life is happening tomorrow afternoon, in Texas. That’s right, friends, tomorrow I will be the lead photographer in my very first wedding. Coming along for the ride is my help-mate, Linsey and our wedding photographer and friend, Mike. To say the least I’m very excited to see how everything turns out, I’ve been thinking about making Shutter Bug Studio a wedding photography business, with some portrature on the side.

In other great news, Linsey is doing awesome on Weight Watchers, and has lost around 20 pounds, I’m following loosly, trying to get back in shape…

As far as the cooky pooches go, Rival and Captain are both doing good. Captain has not been sick in several months (knock on wood), and Rival is doing awesome in his training. We are watching one 0f Linsey’s students’ dogs (Hazel) for the weekend and so far she has been a fun addition to our household. I know Linsey will back me up to say that Suhani is a great person and we are very blessed to have her as a friend.

Above from left, Hazel and Rival in a Down/Stay                                                                                                                               Above, Captian is a handsome man!

Over all I guess we are very happy where we are in our lives, the only thing I think we want to change is our location…

Linsey and I have several goals set to achieve, the first is moving to Missuri. We have set our sites on Springfield, due to it’s job opportunities, size and lifestyle. We have been sending applications in for different jobs, but have not heard anything back yet.

                                                    I hope everyone is healthy, happy and blessed.

                                                                                   -Josh Doering

Wow…

So, it’s been a while since I’ve posted! We’ve certainly been a busy little household to say the least. 

Rival has just started Intermediate and is coming along nicely; he gripes and snaps a lot when corrected, but is doing great. He follows me around everywhere – I can’t even take a shower by myself anymore! It sure is cute seeing his face peek around the shower curtain…his eyes seem to say, “Mom, you okay?”

Captain is doing wonderful. He’s actually gaining weight and filling out a lot. He still loves his frisbee and Chuck-It. He is such a great dog and I just love how he greets me at the door after work every day with a smile and a tail wag. He and Rival are getting along and like to play with one another. Josh and I love our boys!

I started Weight Watchers on March 12th and have lost 11.6 pounds so far! It has truly been a blessing to my life and I find it easier with everyday that passes. I don’t feel deprived since I’m able to find healthy alternatives to the junk food I used to eat. I have quit pop completely and have been off of it for 2 months now. I don’t even miss it! I also added a wonderful “missile” to my weight loss war – Zija. It is quite literally a miracle! It has helped my hunger cravings and has honestly curbed my sweet-tooth! It has most definitely helped me keep strong on Weight Watchers.

I have also brought cycling back into my life. I forgot how much I missed it…but also forgot how horribly out of shape I am and how much it hurts your butt! LOL. I started yesterday (4.26.11) and could only ride 1 mile without my butt wanting to fall off. I certainly hope it gets easier – I absolutely love it and don’t even think of it as exercise. I’m hoping, if I get in good enough shape, to do a local charity race in the fall! That would be so much fun!

In other news, my GSD-friend Cheryl Groth is editing Love Bug for me! She is such a great friend and a fantastic writer as well…I have no doubt that she will help me out immensely. Thanks, Cheryl! I greatly appreciate it!

Josh’s last day of classes is today and I am so proud of him graduating college! He is such a great husband and I can’t wait to see where our lives go from here. We have been frantically trying to find jobs in Springfield, MO but nothing has surfaced yet. I think we would be happy there – they have a lot of job openings, it’s a bigger city, very “artsy”  and very pretty! The houses are so much lower in price compared to Weatherford and almost everyone comes with a fireplace!

We decided on Springfield over Branson due to it having A LOT more job opportunities. We’ve never lived in a ‘big city’ before and are excited about that experience as well! Branson is only 45 minutes away, so if we want to take in a show on the weekend or treat ourselves to Andy’s Ice-Cream, it wouldn’t be a bad drive!

I hope everyone has a great week and we promise to keep this more up to date!

- Linsey

So, after printing my best work, making sure I had enough business cards and preparing myself for my very first bridal show, the day is over, and I am left with a few thoughts…

Firstly, I absolutely loved the entire day! Having brides show up and tell me how pretty my work is and become interested in the photography I have to offer them is awesome! I received around 60 emails from brides eager to learn more about my business! I also made some new friends (other venders) who gave Chad (videographer) and I some awesome information to help make the brides more comfortable in the chaos.

Secondly, my voice is almost gone because of how much talking/screaming I had to do to communicate over the music provided by the DJ. Although there was plenty of good music, the loudness of it all was a bit overwhelming. I really enjoyed watching a few venders, brides and a little boy dance to the “Cupid Shuffle” and “Electric Slide”.

Lastly, I am very happy with my small business and the direction of where it’s going. It’s crazy to imagine where I was only a few years ago, and where I will be in a few years. Also, most of this would not be possible without the help of my wife, who always supports my dreams. I love you, angel!

…how much work a puppy entails…especially when you are raising it correctly from the beginning. Yep, we picked up Rival last Friday (2.4.11) during a snowstorm! I took 1/2 a day off work and Josh & I spent the afternoon in the city visiting his favorite photo store, eating out and picking up Rival Puppy.

He is the cutest thing and has quite the attitude! He has been with us a week today and is already making great strides in housebreaking. He *loves* playing and is really confused as to why Captain won’t play with him more. LOL. Thanks to one of my trainers advice, Rival’s bond to me is growing each day and he has to be close to me all the time. I can’t wait to start him in obedience and agility…but for now I’m going to work on his ball drive. 

In other news, Josh got great news about Car. They finally found an engine for her (Rehab is paying for all of it) and it only has 56,000 miles on it! His current engine has 140,000 so we are getting an awesome deal. Hopefully, Car will be with us for a while now!

Also, I will be paying off both my credit cards next month! I will have *no* debt whatsoever…except for monthly bills of course. The extra money will go into savings and for a possible vacation this summer.

Josh is doing great in school and finishes his degree within 4 months! I’m so proud of him and can’t wait till he’s able to work full time and carry his load…Hahaha! Juuuust kiddin’, Joshie! Arby’s has been really good to him and given him lots of hours and he is also enjoying taking pictures for the SWOSU newspaper. I am so proud of his growing photography business and how he goes after what he wants. I couldn’t ask for a better husband or best friend.

Valentine’s Day is coming up this Monday. I don’t hate the holiday but I’m not a huge fan either. However, it IS a good excuse to go out & eat…and maybe splurge on a margarita or two!

Till next time,

- Linsey

Now, it’s back to the “real world” living…

And The world is angry at Linsey and I for one…two…MANY reasons! First of all, we are (still) very much in love and are working together to achieve our goals in life.

Linsey, after working on her for months, has decided to finish her first children’s story and has begun to write on a few others! 

I, on the other hand, have been slacking a bit on photography, but have plans for working more in the upcoming months! Also, I have placed an ad in the yellow book for all to see and will (hopefully) get more clients.

Since all of this has been going on, Linsey and I have been attacked by the enemy (aka: Satan) because my Car has gone down. On New Years Eve, as soon as we hit the off ramp into Yukon…the engine completely dies. To say the least pushing Car to Chili’s in the cold night air is not fun!

Also, financial aid from SWOSU SUCKS! Every semester, including this one, they have tried something to screw us over when we need the money, like for photography equipment, to pay off bills, help repair Car…But they don’t care about that at all…Oh well, God worked out the situation and now we are back on track to our happy future together!

I know Linsey’s excited for her birthday coming up February 27, but way before then we are going to Norman to pick up her very own GSD puppy to begin training again…As happy as I am for Linsey, I can’t wait for someone to get her litter of puppies born so I can get one as well…

Also, this will be my LAST semester as a student, ever! Which means I will be working full-time and pursuing my dream as a photographer/writer in the “real” world in less than four months!

I hope everyone has enjoyed our posts. I know Linsey and I enjoy writing them (when we can of course! LOL).

Merry Christmas to all of our friends and family!

I hope you all had an amazing day with loved ones and enjoyed all of the wonderful food; I know we did! It was so fun spending time with my husband and waking up with him Christmas morning!    He reminded me of a little 3 year old: getting me up early, saying, “Santa came! We have to gets up and check the presents!” (He told me it was 9:00 AM and it was REALLY 8:30).  We ate cereal after opening presents; Captain was thrilled with his lot of toys and was spreading them all over the house – picking each of them up and throwing them in the air…LOL. Crazy dog.

I can’t wait to see what 2011 has to bring to our new married life together!