Thanks to a fun idea, a great knowledge base and fabulous instruction from a fellow photographer and friend, Kim B., myself and a couple other friends are conducting our own Macro class, maybe workshop is a better name. Either way, the Macro discovery process has been an incredible one. I remember getting my first grown-up camera when I was 13, a bulky, base model Canon point and shoot. That camera recorded trips to Hawaii, trips to Sea World, Magic Mountain and Disneyland and in high school a three week trip to Europe that I would have killed to have my zoom lens of today for, a silly covert op at a concert...
Trips and memories saved aside, that camera also introduced me to a little camera icon that looked like a tulip. Being a very girly girl that was obsessed with Sunflowers, I would stand out in our the backyard for hours pushing the little tulip and hoping for something pretty. While there were a few that were pretty and definitely saved, one could also see that I had no clue how to really use that pretty little tulip button. Flash forward to now, photography classes under my belt and the beginning of a small business as a goal- I know that the pretty little tulip icon is more than just a pretty little tulip.
When you search macro photography on google, millions of flowers, bugs and dew drops come up. I could live without seeing most bugs that close up and find dew drop after dew drop a little boring. But I have to admit that they are beautiful shots and while I am looking outside of the box for our workshop, a few dew drops and rainy day snails might make an appearance.
Aside from my normal blogging, my Macro discovery will get to play in the limelight for a fun little series. I'm excited to share my exploration into all things Macro! Now, it's time to start editing and get some ideas and questions ready for the first class held over Italian food at Granito's. The one thing I know for certain is that a night out with these ladies is always a welcomed addition to the week. Maybe dinner will become less of an ordinary part of the meeting spot and more of a subject for the class? We shall wait and see!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Back Burner.
There isn't anything better than a brisk Northern California morning where my MacBook and a Starbucks Venti Iced Nonfat Skinny Vanilla Chai are in hand. Well except for the fact that I have chosen the smallest Starbucks in the area. Working early mornings has made a habit of early mornings for me on days off as well. So here I am, it's 7:30 on a Monday morning and I was hoping for a cozy seat inside. No such luck. The people inside look like they are bears hunkered in for the long winter. While I feel my big writing plans squished, I can't help but enjoy the beautiful weather and a chance to think while I sit outside, awaiting for one of the hibernating bears to wake up from their long winter naps.
Despite it's small size, there are people double parked everywhere and there is an endless line of complicated to incredibly unique coffee orders piping in and out. Which makes me wonder, is the old adage of the complexity of the coffee order a direct correlation to the level of high maintenance in that person or is it just as simple as being applauded for knowing what we want out of our cup of joe?
From a personal standpoint, I feel that I should be applauded as my coffee order is one thing that never fails me as a decision easily made. November through December - it's a Tall Christmas Blend, hands down. The rest of the year, no matter the temps, it's the Venti Iced Nonfat Skinny Vanilla Chai. Most of my friends and family will tell you that I am rubbish at making decisions- with so many major decisions being sent to live on the back burner.
Eureka, blog pause - I am about to become a bear in winter... Oh, this purple plush velvet chair and the heated air that come along with it are just glorious.
Heading into my 30's has given me more clarity than I could have ever thought. It's like a switch has been turned on and there is a tangible feeling that a new chapter has opened. Maybe I relish in the ease of my coffee decision because everything else in my life was waiting to walk through that next door.
I can't help but think of my grandmother today as she is a day away from being 91. She is my only living grandparent and is vital proof that strength can carry you through life. Taking my health back is turning into a major strength for me- a decision that has needed to be the focus for a longtime now. Running, something I thought I would always hate, has finally become something that I desire. A desire as strong as the pull to the Coach store in the mall or MAC when I walk through Nordstrom's. Now, I can't say that I love it yet – but we are on kinder terms.
I feel like it's too grown-up to talk about financial strength, but that has been a focus too. When I moved back to California, I cashed out my first 401k. I can't regret that, even with the penalties, it kept me on my feet until I was able to support myself. Probably not the best decision in the long run, but not a regret nevertheless. At least I was able to really use it, unlike the Social Security I pay into every week that I will never see... ah, but I digress. Several years down the road now, I have a 401k back in place, all of my original student loans will be paid in full by the end of the year and the one credit card I have allowed myself is paid off monthly.
Going forward, I have to think to myself – what awaiting decision gets to come off the back burner next? For now, I'll settle for a second Iced Nonfat Skinny Vanilla Chai...
Despite it's small size, there are people double parked everywhere and there is an endless line of complicated to incredibly unique coffee orders piping in and out. Which makes me wonder, is the old adage of the complexity of the coffee order a direct correlation to the level of high maintenance in that person or is it just as simple as being applauded for knowing what we want out of our cup of joe?
From a personal standpoint, I feel that I should be applauded as my coffee order is one thing that never fails me as a decision easily made. November through December - it's a Tall Christmas Blend, hands down. The rest of the year, no matter the temps, it's the Venti Iced Nonfat Skinny Vanilla Chai. Most of my friends and family will tell you that I am rubbish at making decisions- with so many major decisions being sent to live on the back burner.
Eureka, blog pause - I am about to become a bear in winter... Oh, this purple plush velvet chair and the heated air that come along with it are just glorious.
Heading into my 30's has given me more clarity than I could have ever thought. It's like a switch has been turned on and there is a tangible feeling that a new chapter has opened. Maybe I relish in the ease of my coffee decision because everything else in my life was waiting to walk through that next door.
I can't help but think of my grandmother today as she is a day away from being 91. She is my only living grandparent and is vital proof that strength can carry you through life. Taking my health back is turning into a major strength for me- a decision that has needed to be the focus for a longtime now. Running, something I thought I would always hate, has finally become something that I desire. A desire as strong as the pull to the Coach store in the mall or MAC when I walk through Nordstrom's. Now, I can't say that I love it yet – but we are on kinder terms.
I feel like it's too grown-up to talk about financial strength, but that has been a focus too. When I moved back to California, I cashed out my first 401k. I can't regret that, even with the penalties, it kept me on my feet until I was able to support myself. Probably not the best decision in the long run, but not a regret nevertheless. At least I was able to really use it, unlike the Social Security I pay into every week that I will never see... ah, but I digress. Several years down the road now, I have a 401k back in place, all of my original student loans will be paid in full by the end of the year and the one credit card I have allowed myself is paid off monthly.
Going forward, I have to think to myself – what awaiting decision gets to come off the back burner next? For now, I'll settle for a second Iced Nonfat Skinny Vanilla Chai...
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
13.1
Let's just start with the truth: I hate running. Period. Full stop. The end, goodbye.
Disclaimer aside, I am about to start a fitness mission that will end with me at an undisclosed finish line of a 2012 half marathon. The girl who loves her sweets, french fries and fruity drinks is trading trading in her couch time after work for a pair of running shoes. Turning 30 has me thinking that I can no longer use the excuse of "college" and life's darker moments to stay as unhealthy as I have been the last half of my twenties. While at a bar this past weekend for my big birthday bash, I was convinced by a sister and a good friend that running could be apart of my life. Maybe it was the vodka cran talking, but the motivation and determination to never go back on a promise to start struck, and thus a deal and a handshake followed...
Growing up, I spent most of my summers in the pool at 6:00am on the weekdays and at meets on Saturday's. I lovingly blame my carb addiction on these years:) But blame no more, it is time to get back in shape and spend my thirties and beyond living life to it's fullest. Why 2012, you may ask? Well, I am all about getting back into shape the right way. If I can make one in 2011, great, but the goal is to do this with the least injury as possible:)
I have great friends who run 1/2 and full marathons, even one that is in training for an upcoming Ironman- each inspiring me to find the courage I've needed. I am eagerly awaiting the moment when my hate turns into love, as it has yet to be seen. I know it must be coming though!
So from here on out I am getting rid of everything toxic, setting goals and saying goodbye to all things junk and alcoholic (well, maybe a glass of Cabernet or two on special occasions- I wouldn't want to go cold turkey on everything- it's all about the moderation, right?!?!). Here I come 13.1...
Hope for the Best...
Turning 30, sigh. Tomorrow morning at 4:44am I will have lost the most anticipated decade of my youth, my 20's. While I have no desire to go back and relive 21 or 25, even 29, I feel like a part of me has been docked and the new me is heading forth towards a new station. The last ten years have come with their triumphs and sorrows, hope, laughter and love.
In my early twenties, I surrounded myself with fabulous friends, new additions to the family and my wonderful Sigma Kappa sisters. I continued to travel and see new parts of the world. Through a coworker and friend, I was introduced to a Pug puppy that changed my life, adding endless amounts of joy, laughter (he is such a goofball) and love. Hmm, I should probably add that he is not perfect, while he has had his share of stubborn moments and vet visits- I wouldn't trade him for the world! I experienced loss with several family members, the biggest, being my father. A man that I will miss every day of my life; I am incredibly lucky to be surrounded by family, friends and a pug that have carried me through.
Later on, came a big move back to California and the “Ah Ha” moment rediscovering my love of Photography. I have captained Team Jimbo for four, soon to be five years in an Nor. California MS Walk, taken first place in the Snowflake Art Show and thanks to a dear friend had a piece of my work published. Defining what my 30's should be sounds too daunting of a task to think about, but looking back I can see that my 20's were full and without regret. I want this decade to be full of life, adventure, happiness and everything that I love:
* Family * Friends * Photography * Bailey the Pug * Great Food * Great Wine * Hope *
I am starting this Blog to share what I love with the ones that I love and in the hope of documenting a new decade. Hope the Best is spread across my family's crest and it's only fitting that it's part of what defines me. So here I come, “30, Flirty and Thriving,” I can't wait to see what you have in store for me and I am sure there will be a lot of love, laughter and hope along the way...
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