Just a quick update

I seem to be running out of time lately to accomplish things that I want to.  Maybe my priorities are a little out of order.  Maybe I need to manage my time better.  Maybe I should work on this....

This past weekend, my family celebrated my grandma's 75th birthday party in Randle.  My cousin Jess and I played photographers for the day, and snapped countless pictures.  I have been going through them and editing them as necessary.  I will be sharing more of the photography aspects of that day on my photography blog.

This coming weekend, two friends of ours are getting married!  Josh and the boys went to Portland last Saturday night for a "boys trip", which involved who knows what.  Josh just said they were "good" and stayed out of trouble.  It was the groom's last "hoorah" before tying the know.  I have been busy helping the bride prepare for the big day, and there is still lots to do in the coming days!  Friday night is the rehearsal dinner, and Saturday morning will be a whirlwind of activity, to get the venue set up, the boys dressed up, the girls primped and ready, and then actually sitting back and enjoying the wedding itself.  The photographer isn't going to be there in time to shoot the girls getting ready, so the bride asked me to be there to take photos.  ME.  That scares me!!  I also plan to shoot throughout the wedding/reception, to better learn wedding photography.

I am still working on my Esther Bible study, but just have not found time to blog about it.  But I am loving learning more about Esther, and am thoroughly (as always) loving my walk with God.

We are still looking for a house to buy.  It just seems like no new listings are coming out; its just a repeat of the same ole' ones.  It is slightly discouraging, but we are determined!

And, finally, my knees are better!  They still hurt every once in a while, but not nearly as bad as before.  Which is a relief, because walking in heels for the wedding Saturday would have been impossible if they were still in their initial shape!

I think that's it for now... I will have lots of photos to post in the coming week!

A Whirlwind of Activities

Lately, it seems like there just aren't enough hours in the day for everything I want to accomplish.

Here is a brief rundown of all the projects I'm currently working on:

1. Continue learning photography. I have enjoyed getting to know my camera so much, and we have a special bond now. I used to get frustrated when photos didn't quite turn out right. Now, I am learning what it is that I am doing wrong, and how to fix it.
2. Raise money for the National Brain Tumor Society. Their annual walk is September 12th, and I want to raise money and awareness for this cause. Check out #3 below for one of my ideas related to this!
3. Create recipe books. I have found a very neat website that allows you to create your own, custom recipe books. And they do fundraiser books! In conjunction with the NBTS, I am creating a memorial/fundraiser cookbook. This will be filled with a collection of recipes from myself, Chuck's wife, and members of his family. I will be selling these books, and procedes from each book will go directly to the National Brain Tumor Society. More details later!
4. Work out. I recently started a workout program, and it is intense. Like kicks-your-butt-every-day. But it feels so good! And I feel like it is working. I have been not-so-healthy lately, and I feel as though I am making a positive change in my fitness.
5. Find a new job. This is very important. Which means, it should be #1 on my list. But I have a habit of doing things out of order. I want a new job. One with benefits. And more money. And more room to move up in the company. Still searching though.
6. Move out! Josh and I have been looking at houses lately, and are talking with a mortgage/loan office and real estate agent to start the process. We want to buy, and not rent. So the hunt is on!

So that's it. My busy life right now. I was afraid that after college, my life would be boring. But it is turning out to be anything but.

Finally.... Nice Weather!

I'm so excited to finally have some nice weather to enjoy!! This constant rain nonsense was really getting old.

This weekend, like every other one lately it seems, will be busy. Tomorrow is Mom's birthday, as well as Sam's first birthday. We are going over to Jeremiah's and Amy's house to celebrate tomorrow afternoon with the whole family. I'm so excited to see him again, and to also see Emma, James, and Mandy!

I've been preparing all week for Mom's birthday. She doesn't really like to celebrate her birthday, but after all of the work she has put in lately to prepare for my graduation birthday, I want to spoil her a little. Nathan and I got her a green iPod, since she is always walking for exercise and can listen to it while she walks. Josh got her a Cabela's lounge chair she's been wanting forever. She's going to love it! Dad got her a laptop a few months ago; she already got to open it though.

I'm planning on getting up really early to decorate the house in the morning; just some fun streamers, a banner, and some balloons. Just because she won't be expecting it in the least. And because its fun!

I'm excited to be able to use my new camera to take pictures of all the fun this weekend!