Happy Holidays and Winter Break From Daba Town

Updates in Daba Town

I have been busy lately. When I stopped being as busy I took a break to rejuvenate. So I haven't been commenting on blogs (though I have been reading most of them) and I haven't been posting much other than Quotes from Class.

Here are some things you've missed because I didn't post about them:

Big Things:

• I passed my thesis oral defense (big sigh of relief).
• I turned in the 2nd to last draft of my thesis (bigger sigh of relief).
• My little brother passed his GED test.
• My big brother took care of all his license issues with the state of New Jersey.
• Two nieces/nephews on the way- one due Aug 1, one due Nov 24.

Medium Things:

• I bought my cap, gown, tassel, and hood for graduation.
• David signed up for summer school.
• Lee J (nephew) crawls like a mad man, makes the "d" sound, and stands for long periods of time without falling.
• I have been eating healthy foods and feeling good about it.
• Played catch and hit some softballs with my dad. He says I "still got it."
• Made a baby blanket (star shape through crochet) and I'm almost done making another one (patchwork of knit squares).
• I learned how to make some new things like baby hats.

Small Things:

• Tulips from our roommate to celebrate the thesis accomplishments.
• David found 12 long gray hairs in a section on the back of my head.
• Less than one month of being a student (for awhile).
• Our dryer broke.
• I still want a dog but it might have to wait another year.
• I want a new lens for my camera because I want to get back into photography this summer.
• Haven't read a book in almost a month (no time and using it as motivation to lose weight).

Photography

I don't usually promote my photography "skills" since I haven't had much time to practice them lately. I love the hobby, but it is just that, a hobby. Friends and family sometimes use me as a free substitute for professional pictures. I'm pretty sure they get the job done. At holidays and get-togethers, I am behind the camera and sometimes I take pictures of things I find interesting or pretty.

Note: I always want a better camera.

Here is a picture from a laid back, non-professional by any means, photo shoot of my nephew. Makes me wanna pinch his cheeks! ~Proud Aunt