New lens

I've been wanting a new lens for a while now since everyone I talk to loves their prime lenses.  I have been debating about which one, but finally settled on the 35mm f/1.8.



I am VERY excited about working with this lens!

This week's assignment for class is portraits (both formal and informal).  I'm kind of dreading it because I don't think I'll have many willing subjects.  Maybe I can snag Quinn for some shots.  Babies are always willing subjects!

Landscape Assignment

Here are a few from a recent assignment:
We got up with the sunrise, unfortunately it was cloudy.

Where have I been?

I need to get two posts in this week in order to stick with my at least twice a month blogging goal.  I don't know why I bother, but I feel like I need to keep it up!

A quick update.  My photography class is so much fun.  I've learned so much and I love the assignments we have because it gives me something to focus on.  This week we are supposed to start self portraits and I haven't been able to take one yet.  I've got to take 10 or so by tomorrow so I need to figure out some poses and angles!

I actually like it so much I'm considering getting an additional degree in Art (Liberal Studies, Art Concentration) from SMCC.  I'm not totally convinced yet, but most of the general education requirements are covered by the classes I took for my Bachelor's degree so I'd only have to take the core art classes.  I just keep thinking that while I'm able to take classes for such a huge discount due to Pat's job it might be worth it.  Education is a good thing!

Here are a few pictures I've taken lately.  Some of these were for random assignments (pattern, texture, color, light, shutter speed, aperture etc.) so they might not make sense, but these are a few I like.

Feb = no fast food

Win!

I made it the whole month without falling into the fast food trap.  I don't really miss it.  I do miss the convenience of it, but not the food itself.  I guess that says something.  Even though my month is over I won't go back to eating fast food as often as I was.  Sadly it didn't help me lose any weight, but I'm sure it will over time.

Current challenge - no soda.  It's been a week so far and I'm doing pretty good.  I do really miss soda though, I won't lie.  I only ever drank diet, but I did some reading about how that's not good for you.  So, it's crystal light for me for now on and maybe eventually going to just straight up water.  We'll see.  I drink the crystal light iced tea constantly at work (to the tune of well over 120oz a day of it) so I'm not sure I could give that up.  Oh, and I have my one cup of coffee in the morning.  Gotta have the caffeine fix.

Happy leap year! :)

Divergent by Veronica Roth

I've never been very good at writing book reviews.  I know what I like and dislike, but I rarely can verbalize why I like something (or dislike something).  

I read this book for part of an online book club I try to participate in.  When I saw this book was selected I had absolutely no idea what it was about so I started it with no preconceived notions.  In fact, I didn't even know it was a young adult book (which I typically love).

This book kept me enthralled all weekend long.  I passed up other activities because I wanted to sit and read this book all afternoon yesterday.  I finished it this morning before I left for work.  

I really, really loved it.  In fact, I may turn around and reread it again right away.

The only disappointing thing?  That I just found out it's part of a trilogy and part two isn't released until May and part three isn't coming out until next year!

February = No fast food month

One of my 101 goals was to give up fast food for a month.  I'm also trying to be healthier so this seems like a good time to knock out this goal.

For me, this is going to mean any type of food I can get from my car or any type of food that is 'hot and ready' upon walking in.  This will also include coffee stops in the morning (although those have almost been eliminated now that we have the Keurig).

So, here's to February!  Hopefully this will just be a jumping off point to some long term, necessary, changes.

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