Tuesday, May 12, 2009

In Which I Accidently Discover Hidden Features on My Camera...

So while fiddling with my camera on Saturday during the great storm of 2009 (perhaps just the fifth one that week), I discovered the "macro feature." Way better zoom capability, though still not as nice as my film camera. Nonetheless, the perceived lack (i.e., my ignorance of this) of this feature almost sent my scurrying for a new camera before France. Good thing I waited! Here are a few of this weekend's test shots:





Ten on Tuesday

As inspired by Carole, here are my top ten favorite places to shop! Even though I am currently on a shopping hiatus, I dream easily and often of frequenting these stores again!

1. Amazon: I'm sure this is where the majority of my non-clothes purchases come from. I buy all of my hardback books from here and some paperbacks as well. Not to mention DVDs, digital music, my vaccum cleaner, and my suitcase for France. Addicted much? I just can't help myself!

2. Target: I have to make a conscious effort to stay away from the clothing/accessories/shoes these days. It's almost painful to go in to get conditioner and not to even look! But looking for me is akin to buying and when it comes to shoes, I'm weak...

3. American Eagle: The only place I can find jeans I like that fit well.

4. Express: Most of my work clothes come from here. If you catch their sales (which they always have), you can get their Editor pants for uber cheap. Plus, they have cute skirts and tops as well!

5. The Limited: Are you sensing a theme yet??? I love to shop for clothes! I get most of my dresses here because I think their styles are so classic and classy. And yet, they are still reasonably affordable.

6. Petsmart: I have to stay away from this store, because every time I go in, I come out with too much! Wally just got a new collar and leash, not to mention new name tags (his old ones were getting worn out). Plus, I have a little thermos for water in the summer so he doesn't get too hot!

7. Food Lion: I shop here often, according to my bank statement. Even though I do not like to cook all that much, I buy a lot of salad vegetables and chicken. And the occasional bottle of Kendall-Jackson chardonnay. Yum.

8. Barnes & Noble: I love this store! I love to wander around, smell the books (is that just me?), look at all the words and pictures...it's sensory overload! I mostly buy paperbacks and gift certificates for my mom here. She's totally addicted!

9. Banana Republic Outlet: Only an hour from my house, maybe less so. Good thing it's not closer or I'd defintely be poorer! Such chic and trendy clothing...at much better prices than the real store!

10. Knitpicks: Although I don't spend as much here as I used to, I still rely on Knitpicks for fabulous prices on nice yarns when I need something in a large quantity. I have yet to knit my first sweater, but they've provided me with lots of nice yarns when I do get started!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Rain and Roses

This was going to be a post full of beautiful pictures of the roses outside of the North Carolina Governor's Mansion (aka, best place to find free all-day parking spots during the week). However, the gray and overcast skies have me postponing my morning photo session with the flowers until the sun peeks back out. I missed the tulips due to the relentless thunderstorms we've been having lately, but I think the roses might be a little bit hardier!

Over the weekend, I really took time to think about the events of last week. Right now, I'm feeling peaceful about what happened and I know I have to be patient with God's timing, instead of expecting things in my own timing. I could definitely feel the prayers of everyone lifting me up, so thanks! I'm really making a sincere effort to focus on all the many blessings and positive aspects of my life, including my friends and family, my job, travel opportunities, and of course, Wally!

On that note, I know I've mentioned my Paris trip coming up in the middle of June. But have I told you about our dilemma? I'm traveling with two of my closest friends for a week to Paris because my friend Jill has to work over there for a month. Hard life! During the week, her sister and I will be on our own in the City of Lights, probably making day trips to Normandy, perhaps Grenoble, or just around Paris. However, we're planning on taking a weekend excursion to a non-France location so that we can all enjoy Europe together. The dilemma? Where to go. Becky is pretty set on Rome, but Jill's just been there recently. Me? I'd like to see Berlin, Barcelona, maybe Zurich. Have any of you been to either of these places? I'm open for suggestions or recommendations to help us make our decision!

If I haven't told you already, I love to travel, so wherever we go, I'm sure I'll have a blast! I'm not only excited about this international opportunity, but I'm also starting to plan my domestic summer trips! I'd like to visit at least one place every summer that I've never been to. Last year, I went on a mission trip to New Hampshire and ended up getting to visit Boston, MA and the Maine seashore as well! I also road tripped from NC to Michigan (long long long) and took my second trip to Chicago (FYI, beautiful in October!). We also made an autumn visit to Texas by way of San Antonio and Austin. Best trip ever! This year's top destinations are Seattle and Salt Lake City. Why, you ask? Seattle, not only for its proximity to Forks (ha, I'm a crazy Twilight fan), but also because of the wild, hip culture, the Space Needle, ferries (a la Derek Shepherd!), and Puget Sound. I would just love to go whale watching! As for SLC, I'm captivated by this book I found as a teenager. The images are just stunning and I've heard it's a very beautiful and interesting city.
Boston skyline from the ferry

Sunrise over Lake Michigan


Becky & Jill strolling along the Riverwalk in San Antonio


As for my knitting, I so want to start something new (i.e., Owls), but I still have to finish the Circles Scarf for my mama. Hopefully this weekend I can get to work!

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Sigh

So, it's been a rough week. I've been trying to be a little better about posting, but this week has just been not so good. Boyfriend and I broke up, and even though I see that in the long run, this is for the best, it still doesn't make it easier. I know 28 isn't old, but sometimes it's difficult not to feel scared when you're single and all of your friends are getting married and having babies.
Enough of the pity party for now though. Today was a pretty good day, with nice weather and plenty of free time to finish Verity. I need to fix the tab part on the front, but otherwise, I think she's perfect! Now, back to the Circles Scarf for my mama's birthday...


Any prayers and good thoughts would be appreciated, especially since I may have to see the boy tomorrow at church. Sigh.