Happy Friday

-giving my blog a makeover-

First, I thought it was high time for a new blog header. Last time I needed the hubby's help to change it, but I figured it out this time - go me! I chose this picture for three reasons:

#1. Peter and I are always taking self-portraits when we are just hanging out or on a trip and those are some of my favorite photos by far. I played around with my 50 mm lens tonight until I got one that I liked. It was harder than I thought it would be!

#2. I did such a close crop to my face because I thought it looked cool but also because I liked the idea of my eyes peeking out into the world of all my blog visitors (ok "all" is probably an excessive word because I don't think I have anyone that reads this regularly!).

#3. I've made some decisions this week that involve actively pursuing my love of photography - more about that later.

-my hubby is coming home-

Tomorrow. Finally. I've missed him so much. We've talked daily, chatted frequently, and text messaged when I had signal (which means not at my work), but it's definitely not the same. I'm going to pick him up at the airport tomorrow. I guess this means I should clean up the house. I'm hoping I'll be able to convince him to go to the new Sex and the City movie on the way home!

-summer vacation is almost here!-

There are 4 more regular work days left. After that, there are two days of final exams, then make up exams, then the final day which is for staff professional development. I will miss my students, but am definitely ready for my summer vacation.

-dissertation progress-

My advisor wrote me on Wednesday with edits for the first chapter of my three chapter dissertation. With my Mom's help, I made her requested changes and then some and sent it back this morning. I'm so ready to be done and from our e-mail conversations today it sounds like the finish line is approaching - all I can say is "HECK YEAH!"

-#3 revisited-

So last Saturday, after Peter and I had our pictures taken, we had dinner together at this cute restaurant. I mentioned how much fun I had with the pictures, and how cool I thought it would be to be a photographer.  It's an idea I've had off and on (and shared with Peter) for several years now, but I haven't taken it seriously. When I brought it up again that night, my hubby didn't for one second blink in speculation or criticism - instead he encouraged me to follow my dream. He always encourages me, no matter how crazy my ideas are - I am so lucky to have him.

I fully expected that idea to pass again in the coming days, but instead I found myself thinking about the idea several times a day. Shortly after flying home, I remembered a blog by a photographer I had subscribed to a while ago - Dane Sanders. I really don't know how I stumbled upon his blog, but I remember thinking it was worth reading and subscribed, and I also remembered some buzz on it at some point about something called the Fast Track Photographer program.

I found the Fast Track site again, and read over the membership details - and get this - I'm now a Fast Track Founder. How cool is that? I've already started posting in the forums and everyone is so friendly!

So back to reason #3 as to why I selected this photo for my new header - I feel like my eyes are finally open to exploring my potential and I'm so excited to see where this will lead. 

-photo of the day-

Found these in my closet today - didn't even know I had them! I have these awesome Tupperware-like shoe boxes from the Container store, but I need to find a way to label the outside so I know what shoes I have...maybe little pictures? Yes, I put my shoes in boxes. What? I have a lot of shoes! A girl has to stay organized!