I apologize for the lack of posts lately. I still am between computers... So what has been happening in my life lately?

-I opened a freedom fund account. I've have always known that the money in my checking was going towards different things but I didn't realize how much it would change my view when I actually opened an account specifically for my freedom fund. A freedom fund is where you put money towards those things that you need yearly but not necessarily every month. (For example, Christmas gifts or oil changes) Need is a relative term here also, because once you figure out what those expenses are you can create just for fun funds. The idea is that you take the amount you may need for one of those categories in a year, divide that number by 12 to get the amount to put aside monthly.

-My freedom fund covers health, vision, auto, travels, camera, and Christmas to name a few. It's not perfect and I have many others to add to the list when I have the chance. But it is powerful to know that I have money set aside for new contacts, my oil changes, and Christmas. When it was all lumped together it was hard to look at it objectively. It feels good!!!

-I went to see the start of a local dog sled race the other night. It was a neat experience. I tried taking pictures and I realized that I really don't know how to take action shots in a low light situation. I was determined to try not to use my flash. I tried with the tripod, without the tripod, high shutter speed, low shutter speed... I tried panning, I tried freezing the action. And I walked away with nothing but an increased determination to continue my photography studies.

-And a healthy respect for dog sledders.

-I have a new lens coming in. I was so excited the other day when I received a package in the mail, I couldn't wait to get home to open it. It wasn't the lens though. It was my newest lesson for my photography class- which is exciting in it's own way.

-I am trying to take a picture a day this year and I just realized that I didn't take one yesterday. Does it still count if I don't miss another day?

It's Raining

On this record high day where the snow banks are melting like butter, I am adding another item to my "Do Before I Die" list.

I would love to do this.

Does anyone want to join me?

Imminent Failure

That's the message I get when I turn on my computer. I was able to get on long enough to copy my pictures onto cds. Thankfully I only had a couple months to catch up with for that. Now I'm scared to touch the computer. I feel like it's going to blow up on me! I know it won't but...

Now to research my options for a new one. That was not in my budget!

Weekend Photos

Check out this handiwork. Kelli made these cakes.

Aren't they amazing?

Their family.

Not quite sure how to eat the cake.

Aha! Now I've got it!

Smile

I am! I was lucky enough to attend this little guy's first birthday party yesterday. I'll share more pictures later, but I wanted to show you his "cheesy face."