Shattered Sun

I am the luckiest girl in the world, I think. J, his mom, and the Terrors got me a EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for my birthday. They gave it to me tonight because they said I might want to practice with it before we go to the Luminarias. (No, we didn’t go on Sunday, we’re going on Thursday.) Anyway, I’m pretty thrilled. I really wanted a zoom. Now to get a macro lens, hehe…

I think I want something like this for my macro lens.

Last year I planned the holiday party for my work and we went to see the Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden. I simply loved it! This year, assuming I can find the quick-release plate for my tripod (or a suitable substitute), I would like to take the Terrors and get some family photos taken with the lights in the background. I just think it would be a nice way to do the holiday cards. Of course, everyone will be getting them a wee bit late, but I’m not overly worried. It’s the thought that counts and if no one is happy with them then oh well. We’ll see, I could easily be wrong. I might actually get them through the presses without a hitch and still able to send them out on time. (I know, I know, it’s already 12/11. I’m a slacker, I’ve said this before!)

Okay, off to bed I go. I’ll keep you posted on what I end up doing!

(Random side note: I posted some new Flickr photos finally!)

I was on a roll and doing so well! And then the holiday party hit and I didn’t have time to get on here and make any posts. I spent Friday night shopping for the perfect outfit (including spiffy boots). I did finally get it but it amazes me that at a size 10/12, I’m fat in the retail world. Well, at least in the stores that are for my “age group”. I’m a large or extra large in those stores but put me into a place like Dillard’s and I’m a medium. How does that work!? I wish, now more than ever that there was a universal sizing system for retailers. That would definitely make it easier on us when we’re shopping.

And last night, I got drunk. Yep, holiday party and I was drunk off my butt. Everyone was drinking and a few of us did get drunk but none of us did anything that would be regretable. J was nice and played the Designated Driver for him & I. It’s not his usual role, but he really really wanted to see me drunk just once. Supposedly, I’m a funny drunk. I guess. Anyhow, I remember everything I said and did, so I think I’m golden. We’ll see how it all shakes out on Monday, lol.

Seriously, ever notice how when you take a day off, it’s like a week of Mondays before it and another week afterwards to catch up? I hate that! We’ve got a full Thursday going on since we’re going Costume shopping. I haven’t told J yet. Maybe I won’t and I’ll just take the Terrors myself. He might not like being out of the loop though. And on Friday, we’re leaving for Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon. Ironically, even after having lived in Arizona for so long, I have never ever been to the Grand Canyon. It should be interesting because J and the Terrors have never been either. We should all be suitably awestruck! The only bad part about this weekend is that I don’t get to go to the Goodyear Air Show and I was looking forward to it. Guess I’ll have to wait for the next air show that comes around so that I can get some shots then. Maybe I can buy a new lens for my camera before then and get some really great shots!

Today was the celebration of one of my coworkers upcoming retirement. She has worked for 35 years with the same company. Isn’t that just amazing? I simply adore her. I hope that some day I’ll be as admired as she is. We had a huge blow out at her favorite restaurant, complete with cake, good food, tons of people (150-200), and even alcohol. Alcohol is not usually sanctioned at a company event, but two of the biggest big wigs came into town just for the occasion and neither seemed to mind the German beers! It was loads of fun. I’m glad it’s over though. It’s just one of those things that you love planning and enjoy doing but look back on it and think “Wow!”. It was a lot of work. I ended up being the last person around as someone had to clean up. Jayson was wonderful all night also. He did the sound, some snap shots, and video recording. I can’t wait to see how the video turns out! It was a really lovely night guys. I’m glad I helped. It really was something to be proud of. Okay, enough rambling. I have to head off to bed, I’m bushed. Have a wonderful day mates!