34 DAYS!

Ok so I'm a huge nerd when it comes to my birthday!! I get really excited and I swear I count down the days every year.. About 2 months out (ok 6 months) I start telling Chadd what I want, where I want to go for dinner, what I want, what I want.. trust me, he prob already knows what I want for next birthday! I've already given him my anniversary and Christmas list (course they change daily)... I'll share those lists in a later blog, I know you're curious! HA!

BUT, this year is a special birthday.. I'm turning the big 3-0! I'm not sure whether to be excited or to ask for a gun so I can shoot myself, only kidding! I'm really excited 'cause I have made it very clear to Chadd that I want a 3-0 blow out.. I'm talking a freakin parade coming down the street w/ the highschool band and floats.. ok so not that elaborate. But, yes I do want something big. I'm not that birthday gal that expects everyone to drop their Sat night to party for muuaaahh and can hardly remember the last time anyone planned or went out for my birthay. This one though is different! I'm thinking something fun fun like a river trip, renting a party barge on lake grapevine, "surprise" party, just something fun that everyone will enjoy doing (hint hint). Chadd seems to have something lined up, we shall see :o) *save the weekend of May 30/31*

So back to my gift list.. there is actually only 1 item on the list this year. And this is probably the only reason I am actually excited for my 30th. I have had a passion for photography since I was in photography class in HS. 1st I loved my teacher, 2nd it was a blow off class, but most of all I really really enjoyed taking creative pictures.. this was back in the 35mm days, ha! I have always loved taking cool pics of different things and people but really never thought I could ever have the opportunity to take professional (or semi-pro) photography. As it is just a hobby now, I would LOVE to get into it professionally. Anyone who knows me (especially those w/ me in Hawaii), knows that no matter where I go I'm looking for something creative or a creative way to take pics, lighting, etc. I really just think I have an eye for it... I hope so at least.

Coming up on 30, I was thinking and thinking "I wish I could do something I would just get up every morning and love to do", "I wish I could find a passion for something".. and I thought long and hard about it and kept coming back to photography. I talked to Chadd about it, and he is so wonderful and encouraging and told me if if I have such a passion for it, to go for it!! So, I'm going to! I think I get my passion from my Dad and Sis.. and I'm so excited cause after talking to my sister about it, she got a Canon Rebel XTI for Vday (birthday & Christmas too, ha!). We would really love to take pics as a hobby, but together. We plan to start a website once we start taking photos so we can show everyone our work.. we even have our 1st "client" (I mean guenia pig) for engagement pics, Thanks Katie! :o) I just cant wait to get my camera and cant wait to start taking pics.

I am looking at either the Canon Rebel XTI or the Canon 30D. After talking to a couple WONDERFUL photographers, I have been encouraged to get the 30D. I'm still checking it out, as I do still have some time. Any suggestions are MUCH appreciated! :o)

Check out my FAVORITE photographers:
http://www.kjimages.com/
http://www.peyronetphotography.com/
http://www.chrisowensphotography.com/

So, everyone get your kids and families ready... ITS PICTURE TIME!