Well ... ok. It wasn't ALL completely wonderful. There was also the roller coaster that was surprisingly fast and went upside down (a first for the little one). 

With the International Festival just opening at SDC, we had an awesome time and got a chance to see an awesome show! 

There was even a "love song" piece to OUR SONG! How amazing is that? 

I couldn't resist a shot or two. 

One of the best things? Getting messy! It was very tasty. 

Oh yeah ... we got wet! And this wasn't even from a ride! 

Funny how all signs point to this guy! 

Are You Involved With A Psychopath?

Are You Involved With A Psychopath? By Michael Conner, Psy.D (click for full reference)

An excerpt: A psychopath is usually a subtle manipulator. They do this by playing to the emotions of others. They typically have high verbal intelligence, but they lack what is commonly referred to as "emotional intelligence". There is always a shallow quality to the emotional aspect of their stories. In particular they have difficulty describing how they felt, why they felt that way, or how others may feel and why. In many cases you almost have to explain it to them. Close friends and parents will often end up explaining to the psychopath how they feel and how others feel who have been hurt by him or her. They can do this over and over with no significant change in the person's choices and behavior. They don't understand or appreciate the impact that their behavior has on others. They do appreciate what it means when they are caught breaking rules or the law even though they seem to end up in trouble again. They desperately avoid incarceration and loss of freedom but continue to act as if they can get away with breaking the rules. They don't learn from these consequences. They seem to react with feelings and regret when they are caught. But their regret is not so much for other people as it is for the consequences that their behavior has had on them, their freedom, their resources and their so called "friends." They can be very sad for their self. A psychopath is always in it for their self even when it seems like they are caring for and helping others. The definition of their "friends" are people who support the psychopath and protect them from the consequence of their own antisocial behavior. Shallow friendships, low emotional intelligence, using people, antisocial attitudes and failure to learn from the repeated consequences of their choices and actions help identify the psychopath.

5/19/2003

Who are these little kids? I just found this on my work computer. WOW - have they ever grown! This is the day Jeremy graduated from gradeschool.

It's makeover night! We are getting SNAZZY!

I love having a camera! This is what I do at sporting events.

My weekend in Atlanta ... not just Hinman, but NCAA playoffs!

The band performed well and received a superior rating! I have a saxophonist who is quite proud ... and has also informed me that they are now recording artists. I have a feeling there will be an opportunity to purchase a CD of some sort soon!

Las Vegas Sunset

 

Moon Over Vegas

For more Vegas photos, click on the album link below:

Las Vegas - March 2006

Carnival Day at school ... and lots of leftover pop! Both of my kids were MORE than happy to bring home 18 bottles!

Saint Patrick's Day! If we had been able to find the green metallic wig, that would have been part of the look as well!

Guess who wants to be a rock star?

 

Mr. Bubble

 

Chicago Wanderer

This weekend, I'm in Chicago again. This is the third time in 12 months! A year ago, I was on my first official magazine assignment. I wandered the streets of Chicago by day and went to events by night.

This past fall, the kids and I took a vacation there with my best friend. That was tiring, but also very fun.

This year, I'm back during the tradeshow but it's a little different. I got to be on the show floor this year. That felt GREAT! I created an opportunity for my company to have their first press conference, and loved being part of that. I met some of our reps for the first time, which was also GREAT! I guess I just like to be part of things. My wanderings this year, however, were limited to one evening in which K had a dinner meeting and the schedule was a little too tight for me to make connections elsewhere, which was fine by me! I walked to Millenium Park because I wanted to get photos of the skating which I missed last year. The bean wasn't invisible this time ... WOOHOO! I have to admit, I like that thing!

The biggest difference is wrapped up in the biggest similarity ... K. Last year, our budding friendship was the factor that drew me to Chicago (and face my "fears" about shooting anything for a publication). This year, our relationship again drew me to Chicago ... but many, many fears have been replaced by a deep and growing friendship and future. Amazing to say, but I believe from last year's trip to this year's trip, we have spent time with each other every day (mostly long distance) except one ... the day he flew to Germany. WOW!

The Winner!

She soundly beat everyone by capturing villians in her PowerPuff Girls game.

Buns of Steel

 

Alabama sunsets ... just beautiful!

I didn't realize I would find such beauty here. But in the "mountains" there are wonderful views, rivers, waterfalls, and valleys. This shot was near a hairpin turn (a REAL hairpin turn ... I've never seen one so sharp!) where a home was built off of the point of the turn and overlooked the span of a deep valley. It's amazing people can raise children out here without losing them!

It Snowed in Alabama!

Check out my car! There are real snowflakes on there.

Last in line? We'll see about that!

Couldn't believe this! Such violence!! It was a friendly little follow-the-leader line that somehow went very wrong when the last one decided to walk on top of the one in front!!!

One of the Sweetest Honors

As much as I love photography, I really shy away from wedding photos. Honestly, I'm afraid something will go terribly wrong and the couple will be disappointed. In fact, I don't think I ever would have done one except that a friend begged, begged, begged me to do it. I guess I should thank her ... this was number 5!

Anyway, this past weekend was such a sweet honor to capture. This couple has been married for years, but now that they have become Christians, decided to have a ceremony and have the wedding they never did. The preparations probably blessed me more than the event itself. The husband was so caught up in having a special day for his wife and showing her how much he loves her. It was beautiful.

And speaking of beautiful? The vows they wrote to each other were just that. I don't know that there was a dry eye in the house that day. Just their words were inspiring, and it was truly a blessing to be involved in such a special life moment as this.