5.31.2010

Only the beginning…

I had a fantastic weekend. I am definitely not ready for it to end. We were blessed with gorgeous weather here in NEPA, and for once I truly believe there will be many more great days like these.

I am thankful for pools and rafts and fruity cocktails.

I am thankful for Bud Light Lime and catching up with friends.

I am thankful for the bit of sun I caught, that I didn’t burn, and that I don’t really need to wear makeup in the summery months.

I am thankful for warm nights and the first fireworks show of the season.

I am thankful for beach towels, new music, and books in the sun and the smell of sunscreen.

I am thankful for sleeping in.

I am thankful for the Fireworks setting on my Canon.

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Hope that, no matter what you did, you had fun and shut your brain off. I know I did that for once…

5.28.2010

Thank you, Memorial Day

So, I love that my job allows me to get certain holidays off. Because of this, I will be enjoying a 3 day weekend. I should’ve inserted “much-needed” in there. I cannot wait to sleep in, primarily. But also, to be out, take pictures with my new film, eat lots of good food, watch TV, lay around, wear some of the new skirts and dresses I got but never fully got to bust out. Be around friends. And family. So much good.

I hope I have plenty of pictures to show you at some point, of the good times I have. Or some good stories. And if you have a long weekend (or even just the regular type), I hope it’s great!

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5.26.2010

Redscale

In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a wee bit obsessed with cameras, specifically of the film variety. Don’t get me wrong…I’d really love a great DSLR one day, but for now, I’m really content on stock piling plenty of plastic cameras.

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For my birthday, my parents gave me some money to stock up on both 120 and 35 mm film. I finally made a plunge and purchased the Lomo brand, and I’m hoping the quality is great. About a month ago, my friend Lauren brought my attention to the Lomo Redscale film when she bought herself a Fisheye 2. Since I had the money, I thought I should try a box. I’m really curious to see how it works out. I’m supposed to receive the package tomorrow already. 4 new packs of film. Lots of possibilities. Can’t wait to share with you all soon!

5.25.2010

I’d Much Rather

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It just so happens that nearly every beautiful day in the week happens to land on a day I’m trapped at work for 8 hours. Luckily, it sort of lingers once I get home. I am currently blogging on the back porch in a comfy romper, with the sun shining. Even though I am still enjoying the warmth and golden glow of one of nature’s greatest Vitamin D sources, I couldn’t help but think of all the stuff I would’ve rather been doing during those pesky hours between 9 and 5.

  • waking up late, opening the window, and eating breakfast in bed while watching 30 Rock or a movie
  • laying out on a blanket with a glass of lemonade and a good book or magazine
  • taking one or all of my cameras out for a nature walk
  • heading to the park for a picnic
  • driving some place new and exploring

Vacation will be nice. And short…but nice. At least I have a 3 day weekend this weekend. I’m looking forward to it. I’m not wishing for it to come quickly, though, because I know it will leave then, just as fast.

5.24.2010

Reeling

theend I am still feeling the effects of the series finale of Lost. This is the first time I’ve witnessed the end of such a groundbreaking show that has been an important part of my life for the last few years. I am completely satisfied with the end, because it reminded me of why I loved the show in the first place…all of the characters and the relationships they had.

There are, I’m sure, so many angry and disappointed fans who feel as though they’ve wasted their life waiting for answers to questions that got pushed aside. Well, let me remind you of the entire first season. The struggle to survive. The philosophical questions: Why did they land there? What is the purpose of the island? What is their purpose for being there? Was it coincidence or destiny?

The show has always been about faith and science, philosophy and purpose, life and death. It was easy to forget amongst all the time-traveling and polar bears and (at the time unknown) smoke monster business. But the show brought it around full circle, managed to turn me into a blubbering child, and remind me why I held out and why I love this show so much.

I’m so thankful I got to experience this show, because it wasn’t just great entertainment. It served as a great way to bond with many of my friends, both at school and at home. It’s a common factor for a lot of people, and it’s fun to share something so passionately.

5.23.2010

The End of an Era

As you or any of your fanatic friends may know, tonight is the final episode of Lost. 6 years of insanity is coming to a close, and I am nervous and excited and sad.

Though I haven’t been watching the show since it first released in 2004 (I caught up in time to finish the 4th season, a couple years ago), I pretty much instantly fell in love (I can only imagine how people who have followed and waited patiently since the beginning for this feel). Name another show like this for me on television, I dare you. There is action and suspense and humor, romance and horror and passion. And you’ve probably heard, a lot of confusion and unanswered questions.

Perhaps that’s why I am so nervous for tonight. By 11:30 this evening, one of my favorite shows will have ended, and I don’t know if I will be satisfied or confused or angry or just completely done with the show. I have watched many a series finale, but (since there’s nothing out there that’s truly like this) this one has a lot to live up to, because it’s created a foundation on keeping people guessing. I don’t know. But it will be missed. I’m in disbelief. But I suppose I’m ready to see what they’ve wanted to show us since the beginning.

To commemorate, here are a few key moments that define the show.

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Oh, please don’t upset me…

{All pictures from Google image}

EDIT: I am happy. And sad. But I’m okay with that.

5.22.2010

More Instax

I love my camera, when it cooperates with me. Still trying to figure out the best setting for darker situations. I’m confused…if it’s cloudy and shady, and I use that setting, it doesn’t really seem to work that well….

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The Artie ones are quite fantastic. But would you expect anything less from one of the most adorable dogs in the world?

5.21.2010

The Bright Side

I’m grumpy lately. But then, most people who know me would say I’m typically pessimistic and irritable anyways. I am. I’m sorry. Don’t get me wrong, I love fun and sunshine and letting go of all my worries and woes. Unfortunately, it’s hard for me to do that last bit, and so I don’t fully appreciate the fun and sunshine I so crave when it finally comes my way. Sometimes, though, and luckily enough, I have a breakthrough and remember all the good stuff…the reasons I’m happy to experience this life. The reasons I wake up in the morning. The bright side of all of it.

  • All of my cameras. I know, I mention them a lot. I’m happy to record memories. Unfortunately, I’ve been doing a lot of the same thing over and over. So I look forward to the summer sun to bring me out and about, trying new things, exploring new places, and documenting them on film along the way.
  • My 5 senses. I’m so glad I can appreciate the feel of sheets on my skin, the smell of my favorite perfume or food, the sight of green leaves glittering on against the sun, the taste of chocolate or fresh bread, and the sounds of all of my favorite music. I can share special moments with special people. Laugh because of it all. Smile at the people I love. I’m blessed.
  • My family, who pretty much moves on right away, even after I bitch them out. Who gets excited over something small like the 23rd birthday I’m celebrating in my life, which is rather insignificant in the spectrum of birthdays, but still apparently deserved streamers and a decorated table and teamwork taco and margarita making.
  • Books. Yes, I’ve been reading an awful lot of vampire romance books (I’m going through the Sookie Stackhouse series now, which you may know yourself as TrueBlood). No, I don’t really care what you think of me because of it. I can escape, relax, and forget about my life when I do this. I just can’t wait to do it outside or, even better, on the beach with the sound of waves crashing in the background.
  • My Buick. Yes, I’m happy to have a car. I’d probably be happy no matter what kind it was. But this car means the world to me. I’m glad I can get to and from work without needing anyone’s help. I’m glad that I can drive anywhere on my own whenever I want. I have freedom and it feels good.

And that’s all. It’s a small list but it’s full of important things. I just need to remember all of this stuff when there seems to be a dark cloud hovering over me all day.

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5.18.2010

The Number 23

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It’s my birthday tomorrow. 23 years old. 23 years on this Earth. Where does the time go? I hope it’s a good day.

New Fisheyes

I like to post some of my favorite pictures from each camera whenever I get a new roll developed. So sue me.

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On a side note, it has been a gloomy couple of days. The weekend brought sunshine, but it almost feels like forever ago. It doesn’t help my massive case of grumps. And I better cheer up…for tomorrow…

5.16.2010

About the weekend…

Oh, how I love my 2 days of freedom, especially when the sun shines. I am not always lucky enough to have all day Saturday and Sunday to myself, so this was a good weekend. I…

  • spent Friday eating grilled hot dogs, the most delicious chips, and drinking Margaritas with my friend Brad.
  • got my first few bug bites of the season. I’m going to make sure to pick up some Off! or Cutter spray so that this doesn’t happen often.
  • spent a few hours browsing the internet with my sister, and I ended up buying my second bathing suit for the summer (check out the first one here) from Forever 21. I hope I have reasons to wear both of them. And I hope the one I ordered fits!
  • painted my toenails sea foam green on the back porch with Maria.
  • traveled to Bloomsburg to visit my ex-roommate and dear friend Lauren. Ate delicious pizza and ice cream, watched When Harry Met Sally (for the first time, might I add), had a diner breakfast this morning, and walked to the park, taking pictures with our Fisheye cameras the whole way.

I love keeping my weekends full of the perfect balance of fun and relaxation. Good food doesn’t hurt either. Friends always help. And sunshine and spring weather always puts a smile on my face. I’m so sad to see the weekend end. But this week brings, along with the final episodes of Lost (the end of an era, I tell you!), my 23rd birthday. I don’t have much planned, but there’s so much I’d like to do for myself. So here’s to a great week. And here are some pictures I took while wandering around Bloomsburg…IMG_4214 IMG_4218IMG_4193 IMG_4206 IMG_4243

5.12.2010

I wish…

  • I could eat a plateful of Chinese buffet green beans everyday. So delicious!
  • my hair would grow long (and thick) as quick as possible.
  • I wasn’t a jealous person and accepted myself for who I am, instead of comparing myself to other people and focusing on all the flaws.
  • things could’ve been different and I could be friends with some people that I could probably never be now.
  • I had the balls to just go ahead and do things I’ve been contemplating or just nearly doing for over a year now.
  • I had more interesting things to blog about.

My weekly Wednesday plans fell through and, needless to say, I am pretty bummed. I’m currently chillin’ on my bed in my comfy pants and contemplating what to do with all this new found free time. To top it off, the weather is so dreary and gray. I need my sun, my Vitamin D. I need warm breezes. Blue skies. Where are they? At least I have an activity-packed few days to look forward to starting tomorrow. And hopefully the weather will pick up.

By the way, it’s my birthday in exactly one week! I don’t usually make a fuss or yammer on and on about it. I don’t expect presents. Just some quality time with friends and family, a good meal, and maybe a pleasant day over all. Oh, and some chocolate cheesecake? I guess that’ll make aging a little better…

bl {A double exposure Holga photo from my trip to LBI last year. Oh how I wish I were laying on the beach with my book right now. And I wish things hadn’t changed so much since then…}

5.10.2010

Tina Fey

I’ve fallen pretty hard for a new girl crush recently.

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I’ve been watching 30 Rock lately (I know, I’m late in the game, for all of this actually) and she is just so funny and unafraid of poking fun at herself. And, of course, to top it off, she’s a hottie. Let’s face it. Anyone can admit that the Megan Foxes of the world are hot, but when it comes down to it, it’s about the whole package of smart and sexy.

5.09.2010

Mother’s Day

I love my mother so much.

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These last few years have been really hard because, and I’m not sure how to say it any other way, my mom has really bad anxiety. Because of this, I don’t get to do fun things like lunch or shopping trips or movies or anything with my whole family. It’s very sad, but I just look on the bright side and am still happy that she’s here for me when I come home from work or when I’m feeling upset despite everything going on with her.
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Happy Mother’s Day mom, and to any mothers out there! Enjoy your day, relax, and have some fun with your family.

5.06.2010

Joyeux

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I love spring. I love the month of May. It’s been easier to see the bright side when the sky is actually blue. Even when it’s rainy and gray, the trees are such a brilliant green. It blows my mind. I am in love with the Earth. The world. The universe. Everyone. Most importantly, I’m happy that the next two weekends will be work-free, which is a blessing for so many reasons and especially because I had to work the last two Saturdays. I am excited to use some free passes to Knoebels I scored from work, turn my alarm off, celebrate a friend’s birthday, and of course celebrate Mother’s Day with the family.

Other things I love…

  • Reading. Thank God I can get away with it at work during downtime. I love the way my mind drowns into the material. I am a film geek through and through, but books will always be a much more engaging experience in the end. I go in and out of reading fits, but I truly hope I keep it up this time around.
  • All of my cameras. I’ve been trying to give them equal time, and even though I wanna use them all up, I’m trying to save them for the best pictures and look back and marvel at the photos I forgot I took.
  • Delicious food (tacos with tons of sour cream) , even if it means standing in line for over 90 minutes to get it.
  • Rediscovering music you loved once before but pushed aside for new stuff.

I hope I have some great pictures to show you this weekend. I am excited to see my sister and cram my 2 days of freedom with tons of fun. I hope everyone gets to do the same!!!

5.04.2010

Trees

IMG I am slightly obsessed and in love with trees at the moment. I think I started to forget what blue skies and green leaves looked like. It’s kind of sad. But at least I’m happy now and at least it’s spring. My drive to and from work is actually pleasant and not so doom and gloom these days. But that’s just it, I have to be sitting inside for 40 hours every week, not enjoying it. I cannot wait to lay out a blanket and read under a tree very soon.

5.03.2010

Ramble

It’s been a while. I guess I haven’t had much to blog about. I mean, don’t get my wrong. Life has been pretty great. But I just don’t know what to say. I don’t know how it would be entertaining at all. So I guess I’ll just talk about all the little things I love at the moment, and share some photos. Like I always do.

  • The IT Crowd streaming on Netflix
  • Egg McMuffins
  • Wearing skirts and tank tops comfortably without the need for tights, a sweater, or a jacket
  • Vampires
  • Broken Bells
  • Hugs
  • Treating my friends to lunch
  • Shopping (I buy something new every week. It’s a problem…)
  • Anticipating the summer.
  • It’s May! My favorite month. Spring is finally settling in, the trees are green, and my birthday is coming!

Here are some photos from the weekend…
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