photography class

my parents were asking about what i am learning in my photography class so here some examples of my new fun hobby.

week 1 assignment: practice using different shutter speeds. my subject: my living room window...i know, super exciting :)
week 2 assignment: depth of field. my subject: a lamp post at the lake.
week 3 assignment: photograph different colors, textures, perspectives, etc. my subject: well, i haven't done my homework yet, but this little guy is one of my favorite subjects of late.

week 4 assignment: on location photo shoot using all different settings!! my subject: we met at the performing arts center in richardson and photographed the building, a cool fountain, a hotel, and then hiked to the top of an overpass and photographed traffic.

this is my favorite because it is pitch black outside and the lighting and settings make it look light outside.

New toms

I am so pumped. I have been patiently awaiting the debut of the new Toms ballet flats and after receiving the email updates and preview pics and drooling over these shoes for months, they finally went on sale last Tuesday night. I promptly placed my order shortly after midnight and today they arrived and are as perfect as I had hoped. I have been on the Toms bandwagon for a couple of years now and normally would not pay this much (they are priced alot higher than I expected) for a pair of shoes, but 3 pairs of the regular Toms and 2 pairs of the wedges later and I have not once been disappointed. I couldn't resist, and now, slipping these on my feet, it seems I will not be disappointed again (but will let you know after I put them through a full day at the hospital tomorrow :)). Isn't it amazing how good a new pair of shoes can make you feel sometimes?!

busy busy

i have been busy lately doing some super fun travel planning. i am not trying to rub it in but check out what i have coming up..

first and foremost, i get to go to florida and meet my new niece, piper lynn floyd, born 1/19/12, and love on her and her brother for 4 days in march. i CANNOT wait to get my hands on these two (aren't they adorable?!).
next, these two girls, two of my oldest friends from borger, are getting married this year. amy (on the left) is getting married in february but is having a reception in march in b-town. this means i get to go home to celebrate her marriage and get the added bonus of visiting my family too. kelli (on the right) is having a destination wedding in estes park, co. i have only been to estes park once in college when cortney and sarah worked there for a summer. it is one of the most beautiful places i have visited and cannot wait to go back this june. added bonus is that i get to go a few days early and visit joni and scotty in denver AND kelli's bachelorette party is going to include visiting wineries in fredericksburg. fun times. and i am so thrilled that these ladies are so happy and in love and have each found a wonderful man to share their lives with.
and finally, girls mystery trip is on the calendar and coming soon in june!!!! very excited to find out where we are going and also very excited that i am not doing the planning this year. can't wait girls!

whew, guess i better go pack...and plant a money tree in the back yard. who needs money though when you have awesome experiences to be had with the ones you love?

Source: sfgirlbybay.com via Raya on Pinterest

Party Time!

so, kelly and jack bought a new house and this morning kelly picked me up and we ran over to check it out as the current owner was having an estate sale. we were just going to scope out their new digs and i walked away with this awesome new patio set for my backyard. i am so excited to have outdoor seating. great excuse to have a party soon. oh, and kelly's new house is awesome too...and super close to mine!