We are opposites in almost every way. She's tall, I'm short. She's light skinned, I'm permanently tanned. She's got a unique style and I'm more on the conservative side. She's a talker and always makes new friends anywhere she goes. I'm shy and reserved and don't talk much, at least not at first.

You would think were friends and no one ever believes that we're actually sisters, with the same parents. We have our arguments and give each other hugs and talk over Sunday brunch.

And today is my sister's birthday!!! No doubt we're going to celebrate and have one bitchin' time too! So go onto her BLOG and send her some birthday love!!!

Sister, love you and I am so lucky to have a sister like you. I can't imagine my world with out you in it. Thanks for all of those heart-to-heart talks and all of the advice you've given me. I am grateful I've had you to guide me in the toughest times and laugh the hardest at the best of times. Oh, and how we've laughed! Can't wait to celebrate another year with you sister :)

COMM 321. I've had a love/hate relationship with that course number for the past year and a half.

First, it was love: the chance to set foot inside of a stocked studio and begin learning how to manipulate light and use it in a way that conveys ideas and releases some of this hidden creativity. It was love because I longed to learn how to use a soft box and gels. To see how color and lights work together to create distinctive photographs, my photographs in my head.

Then it was hate. Hate because I was kicked out of the course because the school didn't get paid by the financial aid money that never came thus, making me pay for it. But not only monetarily, but with time. That whole situation set my graduation date back a year.

And finally, it's back to love. Love because after a year of trying to get into this course, I've finally made it in, secured my spot, and attended the first class Monday night. I couldn't be more in love!!!

Now that I am going to stay in COMM 321: Advanced Studio Photography, I will be documenting my weekly assignments and the crucial but necessary critiques.

Wish me luck, fellow bloggers, for love is fickle!

**Here's a picture from my very first photography course.

I was looking through my photos from my trip to Mexico from this past Christmas and found this photo:

Yes, I was laughing that hard to where my stomache hurt and I couldn't keep my eyes open and until my mouth hurt.  There is nothing better than a big, whole hearted laugh to keep life so beautiful.  So today, I implore you to laugh until your mouth hurts, to share that laugh with a good friend or loved one and to enjoy all the little pleasures in life. 

Happy Sunday!

I know it seems as if I've been neglecting the blog but I have some cool new projects coming along so keep an eye out in the upcoming weeks.

In other news, I am going to be taking a studio photography class this Spring semester and will be doing many experiments since I have none in studio photography. I have always worked with natural light and reflectors to bounce light back onto my subjects. So this should be a fun learning experience and I'll be sharing my work with every one here on my blog. :)

Happy Wednesday!!!

Usually I leave my goals for my corkboard at home and every time I've accomplished one, I cross it out with a red pen, making sure I see that it has been completed. Last year, I learned about a system that helped me make my goals SMART.

S= Specific
M= Measureable
A= Attainable
R = Realistic
T= Timely

I learned that the more specific and realistic your goal is, the more attainable it is and usually gets accomplished sooner. My goals for 2009 are a combination of personal and business. I won't list them all here but here's a snippit:

1. Shoot more with artificial lighting. Since I will be taking a studio photography class I want to maximize this area that I am not all familiar with.
2. Become more business savy. Being a photo major this area is non-existent and I could use the information!
3. Volunteer for a good cause. I've always wanted to do something to give back other than donating a $1.00 when I'm out shopping. So if you know of any good causes out there, let me know!
   
4. Shoot for myself at least 2x a week. I have only picked up my camera in the last few months for sessions and haven't worked on any personal projects. This year I hope to change that.
5. Get in shape! I have never been one to exercise but I would like to get in shape and be healthy.

What are your goals for 2009?

Every new years day I am amazed at how quickly the time flies. I have been so fortunate to have many wonderful people in my life and many wonderful experiences. I have a great family for which I am truly grateful for! My friends are the best anyone could ever have and I wish to have many more years of friendship with them (you know who you are)!

2008 was a great year of growth and experience, both personally and photographically. I would never have imagined to have all the wonderful clients, or to have met so many new people. I am lucky to be pursuing a career that is definitely a passion.

But 2009 is going to be a great year! I am looking forward to all the new experiences and all the new people I have yet to meet and to sharing more wonderful moments with those I have in my life already.

So... HAPPY 2009!!!

Hey, so my vacation was AMAZING! Although we didn't do much other than hang out and eat a bazillion tons of tamales and pozole, it was nice just hanging out with my family. The amount of love felt through out the house was intense and consumed every bit of me.

I had a great Christmas and can't wait to see my wonderful family again! Also, I got to shoot the cutest 1 year old while I was there :).

Merry Christmas from Mexico!!! I just wanted to say merry christmas to all my blog readers! I hope that you are surrounded by those who love you!!! And to all those who celebrate other holidays, Happy Holidays!

Ever since I was little, and almost exactly two weeks after school got out on summer vacation, my sister and I would pack our belongings and get on a hot bus along with another 40 strange faces and set out on the 18 hour bus ride to Mexico. And every year we would cross the all too familiar desert in the middle of the night while our Walkmans drowned out the sounds of sleeping passengers.

Tomorrow, my sister and I will embark on that ever so familiar trip, only this time we have an iPod to keep us company :). Although I am not looking forward to the cramped seats, hot air, or strange faces, I am looking forward to seeing my family.

I will try to keep the blog as updated as possible during my vacation, so check back! I also wish everyone a great holiday and I hope you are surrounded by those you love the most :).

Adelante in Spanish means moving forward. Adelante Educational Services is a supplemental educational service that works with schools in helping kids move forward.

I work part time with AES and can't express how much fun these people are! We laugh, joke, and have a great time working with each other and I am glad to be a part of the Adelante team.

So, here are the stars of the comany :)

Inland Empire Director : Maria


Orange County Director : Jill


Los Angeles Director : Sarah


San Diego Director : Allyson


Marketing Director: Genipher


Accounting : Glen & Lanett



Assisstant Vice President : Renee


President : Lynn