Practice...

I have a friend. Her name is Juanita. She loves photography as much as I do. She is actually the one who told me about Salt Lake Community College's photography program. We talk about cameras and pictures all the time, and so we decided that we needed to make this the summer of photography. The only problem is that we both work at Barnes and Noble, so our schedules usually clash. Well we decided to bite the bullet and get off our rears' and go take some pictures. We decided to go to Liberty Park. I'm so glad we did it, and I had so much fun. She told me a how to meter the light with my camera, which helped me sooo much.

Here are some of my pictures from today...

I was obsessed with these bikes on the hill...

I love shooting manual. I can't believe that I've waited this long to learn how and just do it...

ps...I promise, next post will be Greece. I think it will be the rest of the Greece portion of my trip.

A day in the life of...

Today was my day off. It's been a really good day. I found out that I get unemployment for the summer, which takes a load off of my back. Now I can concentrate on getting ready for school, taking pictures, and having fun this summer, instead of working two jobs. This morning I had orientation for school. I know it's only April, and school doesn't start until August, but this lets me register for classes May 3rd instead of sometime in July. Plus, I like to plan things and get everything ready to go.

Then I went up a few floors and talked to the Financial Aid people and found out that somehow I am in the system as a Male who hasn't registered for Selective Services. Weird, since I remember checking the female box on the FAFSA. Oh well, I get to fill out another form. I also found out that I might be able to get a Pell Grant since I'm so poor, but I can't apply for that until I don't receive unemployment anymore. Then I walked around campus a little. I have to get used to this school thing again. I have to be honest, it makes me a little anxious and scared...

Then I went to Walmart to pick up my sister's prescription, but it hadn't been called in. As I was leaving, there was a lady out front holding an injured pigeon, trying to get the Walmart employees to call the animal cops, to come and take care of it. What a soft-hearted woman, and a little crazy. It would be like taking care of an injured mouse. Oh well, shows you how much I care about wild animals. After this, I went and got my oil changed in my car. As I was waiting, I walked around Library Square and took pictures...

I'm really proud of myself because I shot all of these pictures manually. No auto, no action, just manually, where I have to set the shutter speed and aperture all by myself. I still have no clue what I'm doing, but I'm actually starting to learn. Every blog/article/book that I have read has said to shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot. The more pictures you take, the better you will be. I'm starting to see the truth in this...

I came home, and probably should have done some laundry or something productive, but instead watched a movie. Then I went and got Pho with Mem. I love Mem. She is one of my best friends in the world. In the words of Anne Shirley, we are "kindred spirits."

It was a really good day...

Oliver's 1st birthday...

Beware...MEGA PICTURE post. We had two birthday parties for Oliver. One at my parents and one at his house. The one at my parents was actually a birthday party for all the March birthdays. Jaynie, Oliver, and Tony. But of course, it's all about Oliver.

I bought him this little horse, the cowboy boots are from Grandma and Granddad, and the hat was from Uncle Jake. It was his when he was a baby. Oliver wasn't too excited about the hat. He had it on for a few seconds is all. This kid is so loved and spoiled. Look at Auntie Jaynie and Granddad's face.

Howdy, Cowboy!

Dyeing eggs with Uncle Jake. A certain teenage boy told his mother that he had no desire to dye eggs, he was too old for it. Then as soon as everything was set up, guess who was the first person at the counter...

Awwww.....

Who needs candy when you can chew on the plastic egg?

Yay for Easter! And Auntie Jen taking MORE pictures of me!

Eating some of Grandma Karen's famous potato salad! He obviously loves it.

Someone's getting into the lid drawer!

He got caught!!

Yo, Auntie Jen! Why you got to take so many pictures of me?

Life is so awesome! I think I'm going to eat some grass!

He's thinking, "I have no idea what's going on, but I'm getting attention, which is good!"

What is he thinking? Fire? Cupcakes? I wish I had books?

Happy Birthday to Oliver! Happy Birthday to Oliver! Happy Birthday dear Oliver! Happy Birthday to you!

This picture cracks me up. He can't eat it like a normal kid.

The real birthday party! April 3, 2010. Look at the awesome cakes that Grandma Karen made...

Chowing down on birthday food! Grandma kept on sneaking him chips...

Oliver loves his Uncle Jake...

The shindig...

He's almost walking! I can't believe he's so big!

Time for presents!

This baby is so funny. He actually was interested in what was in his presents. Most babies are all about the paper, and Oliver was, but he also had to know what was in the bags and boxes.

Hahahahahahaha! He may be loved, but he is also teased and messed with ALL the time...

He loved the books that Auntie Jen got him. He almost stopped opening presents after he got his books...

Auntie Justine reading Ollie a story....

Great-Grandma Boegler and Oliver...

Time for cake!

He's like, "What is this?"

Mommy helped him to blow it out....

He really doesn't know about this cake thing....

So his Mom put his hand in the cake....3...2...1...

Oliver did not like that! "It's my party and I'll cry if I want to!"

He felt better after his hands were washed, he had some juice and a piece of Grandma Karen's bunny cake...

Happy Birthday, Oliver! I love you so much! You have brought so much happiness and joy to your family!