The Hunger Games

I recently read a book, for the very first time,

              The Hunger Games

                (The first book)
And during those two in a half days it took me to read it (I never read books that fast), it consumed my soul.

WARNING- If you have not read this book, and you plan to I will be talking about some character traits and struggles that may be best discovered by reading the book yourself. There will be no story line plot spoilers.

The book was all I could think about during those days, and a few days after. The characters and scenery that  the author portrayed were so rich (in characteristics, not money) and real. Although the book is set in a sort of alternate reality, you can't help but feel that the situations are realistic and heart wrenching.

In the moments I wasn't reading the pages of the book, I was constantly watching and noting my surroundings. When outdoors I felt as though I was going out to hunt my game, and I was constantly watching my back; survival mode. I started questioning my peers, and my trust with them. I wondered how different those people would be if our world was like the world in the book. I was confident I could take on any battle at any point and time.

(I have a very large imagination)

I absolutely loved the main character, Katniss. Not only was her name unique and symbolical, but she was realistic and raw, yet hopeful.
It was hard to earn her trust or catch her smile.
She was honest and upfront.
I couldn't help thinking that I would be similar to her if I was in her situation.
I also couldn't help thinking how thrilling and real being in her situation would be. I would never be bored, and life would feel so important and edgy.

I also know that it would be very painful, physically and emotionally. And if I was ever put in a position like hers, I would regret thinking that in an instant.

This book is an easy reading level, and if you have not read it yet (and you are still reading this post...) you should defiantly check it out.

It was absolutely wonderful, and I can't wait to read the other books.

   Good luck in  your journey through the Hunger Games,

          And may the odds ever be in your favor.

Photography: Trial and Error and Error....

I LOVE photography.

I love to look at it, I love to practice it, and I love following blogs with good photographers. 

But I have yet to take a class, and I feel my skills are lacking. I really want to get good at it!

You see, I love to practice on my dog (because he is so cute), but whenever we take him out to good photography spots, he gets a little too excited, and most my pictures end up like this:

or like this

(he loved chasing the birds)

Every now and then I catch an okay one

Or a goofy one

By they are few and far between

Now I have read hundreds of tips online and such, but I want to know what really works for you!
What quick and successful tips do you have for taking pictures?
(It doesn't have to be just action/dog shots, I like taking still shots too)

We did have a lot of fun at the park though :D

Also.......

I celebrated my birthday not too long ago, and look at my amazing cake!

Yes, its a Mrs. Pac Man

And yes, that is an upside down stuffed Mario mushroom in the background.

It was a great 22nd birthday!

Anyhoo, have a great week and leave me your photography secrets!
 ( please ;D )

P.S. These are a couple of my favorite photography bloggers. Their blogs are not focused around photography, but they always include multiple excellent photos in each blog post all taken by them!

http://manditremayne.blogspot.com/

http://tracys-trinkets-treasures.blogspot.com/

http://russandselena.blogspot.com/

The Conclusion, of Facebook...

Well it has been close to a week now since I did it,

I took the plunge,

I deleted Facebook. 

I don't feel conflicted or left out like I thought I might....

I also don't feel relieved or like I 'have more time'. 

I just feels ........ normal.

And I like that.

I copied all my pictures to my computer, so there were no strings attached.

Goodbye social networking drama that I despised like so, 

Goodbye.

Simple Mathematics Folks

Yes, that's all it takes; Addition.

When did we learn that again? First...Second grade?

So please tell me why I CONSTANTLY see people adding their tips to their bill incorrectly.

A $115.75 dollar check plus a $16.05 dollar tip does NOT equal $123.05! How do you even get that??

Okay, lets take into consideration that you are a bit tipsy. So a few drinks makes you completely forget the basis of your entire math knowledge?

Let's all just slow down, take a deep breath, and actually pay attention to what we are doing.

A 'lil bit of restaurant ranting for ya.