I have a new toy. I have wanted a digital SLR camera for a LONG time. However, I didn't feel I could justify spending the money when I wouldn't have time to use it anyway.

That is not the case anymore though. Even though I'm still working about 12 hours a day, at least I don't have classes and homework when I come home. I also have my Saturdays back...oh how glad I am to not get up early on Saturday to do grad work for five hours and then turn around and spend five hours Sunday evening catching up on lesson plans.

So as a graduation present to myself, I bought this:

And I have taken every opportunity to use it.

You know those Dominos Pizza ads where they tell you to take a picture of the pizza because they don't need fancy photography to make their pizza look good? Well, neither do I.

Doesn't this look super yummy with jalapenos from my garden?

I made Adam take me on an adventure my first free Saturday. We visited Cliffs of the Neuse state park. "Cliffs" is a loosely used term in eastern North Carolina, and the hike was only a mile, but it was great to get out and explore anyway.

And, Saturday wouldn't be complete without a date night with my husband from the comfort of our own home.

Ok, so I'm still learning how to use this thing. But it feels so great to finally learn photography and to get out of the house a LOT more.