Happy Birthday to Me

It was so wonderful to be back up in Alaska again. I couldn’t help but smile at each glimpse of the magnificent mountains that are everywhere up there. And I couldn’t help but feel loved as each hug from a dear friend. The high light of my trip was the time spent with my good friends in sweet conversation and laughter. I love you guys!

The first few days were non-stop catching up with all of my dear friends. There were so many new babies to meet and happenings to catch up on. My Bunko friends even postponed their normal bunko night so that I could celebrate my birthday with them. I was also able to hang out with ‘my girls’ (the high school girls I have been privileged to lead since they were little 6th graders). It is so strange to have them all driving! I was able to go to church and hug more people. But one of the best events of the trip was my dad's retirement from the military. They even gave me flowers for being there. It was a special event to get to be apart of... I am proud of you dad!

The weather was a bit chilly. Spring had just arrived as the ice went off the lakes just days before I arrived and the trees were budding out the week I was there. Summer will be exploding in Alaska any day now.

Over all it was a great trip and definitely a blessed way to spend my birthday. It is hard to believe that I have been gone nearly a year now. And just as hard to believe the life that has started forming here. I am not sure what I was expecting—or even if I had expectations… but it is good.

And I was able to get a little shooting in... here is one of my favorites of the old tug boat at Knik Lake.

Studing for the ACT

The last couple of weeks I have been studying for the ACT test... I know, I know. I never thought I would have to take it again. After all, I have already graduated from college and I am not planning to go back (well not yet anyway). The reason for taking the college entrance exams at this point in my life... money. The tutoring center I work part time for offers test prep tutoring and to qualify to tutor the ACT's (and get paid a little more for it) I had to pass above a 27 (out of 36). I took the Reading and English on Thurday evening. And I am happy to report that I passed! It is quite a relief to know that my college education was not in vain.

Last weekend Misty and I were able to go to another photography weekend workshop put on my Rocky Mountain School of Photography (in Boise this time). This workshop was a digital weekend and I learned so much about working with digtal photography. I am exited about all the photo possibilities that are ahead of me. The only bummer about learning so much about photography is that it makes me want new and better equipment. So I am working on my photo wish list if anyone wants to donate to my favorite hobby.

I am heading up to Alaska this week. My birthday present to myself this year is to go home to my beloved Alaska and the wonderful friends I have there. And as a bonus, I will get to help Mom with Dad's retirement party and be home for mother's day. I am sure the days will be very full.

I will fill you all in on my adventures soon!