Yeah, keys.

GUESS WHAT, YOU GUYS!

I woke up this morning, moped around a bit, got all sad because I don't have any cereal, opened the fridge about 12 times before realizing there really isn't anything in there (literally,) and then hopped in the shower. And THEN, I get a phone call. And then I schedule an interview with the lady from TJ Maxx. And then I eat a McDonald's fruit & yogurt parfait and begin drinking a McDonald's caramel iced coffee, because seriously, that's the best breakfast in the world in my book. And then I get ready for the interview. And then I actually GO to the interview. And hey, guess what, while I was there, I got offered a job.

My streak of unemployment has ended!

Granted, this job has nothing to do with my field of study, and probably won't be SUPER AWESOME, but I'm still excited. Orientation is on Friday. Heck yes.

So there's that.

ALSO...Holy cow with the donations, you guys. Thanks so so SOOO much! I'm already 20% into my goal, and that was only Day 1! Once I start making some money, I will find a way to say THANK YOU more than just typing it here. Promise. =) The donation button is over to the right side of these words now, if anyone else wants to help me reach my goal. It really really really means a lot to me to have so much support. And I'm not talking just the monetary support. I've got the most amazing friends and people in my life who have gone above and beyond with encouragement, helpful tips, sharing my link, putting up with my bad moods, and just all around being there for me Every. Single. Day. It all means so much. I will not let you guys down. =)

So, on to some photographs, shall we?

I've always wanted to do some sort of Self-Portrait project. I've seen a lot of people go all out and do 365 days of self-portraits. I considered that, but it seems just a bit TOO ambitious for me right now. So instead, I'm doing weekly self-portraits. Every Sunday's photo will be of me, somehow. Here's Week 1. I wear awesome socks. And it drives my mom crazy. =)

So today while I was waiting to go into the interview (Because I get there 20 minutes early because I have a ginormous fear of being late.) I snapped some shots of my keys. Yeah, keys. Doesn't get much more exciting than that. Glad I thought ahead and knew I'd have some time to kill so I brought my camera. Go me.

This one's my favorite.

Oh, JK on the keys thing. The last one is my graduation year tassel thing, that's been burning and fading in the sun since the year 2006. Pretty awesome, huh? Which of these four photos is your favorite?

I'm excited about tomorrow's Too Close Tuesday....You all better be ready!

(Also, still working on finishing that McDonald's caramel iced coffee. I added more ice. Still over halfway full. I think I need help in the drinking things department....)

Seventy-Three

Hey, everyone!

I may or may not have some good news regarding my employment situation. I'll have an update on that in the next week or so. I'm feeling pretty confident, but I don't want to say anything on here until I know for sure. So keep checking back!

Here's this week's "Too Close Tuesday" shot:

Anyone care to make a last guess?

Here's the answer, in photo form:

Wooo!! You guys were right! (Most of you, anyway) It's the hand on my watch. Nice work, people...Very impressive. I'm gonna have to think of something more difficult for next week's. =P

Here are a few more photos from this week:

Hello, again, old friends.

The weather was SO NICE on Thursday. Everyone knows that, though. Here in Rapid City it was 73 degrees! Seventy-Three! I watched the news that night and the meteorologist said it was warmer here than it was almost everywhere in the whole country. Including Florida and Texas! Holy cow! So, I'm very glad I used a little bit of that nice weather to go for a run. I was a little weirded out, because I was wearing a tank top and shorts...in January...but it did feel good and it was amazing to get a little sun.

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. And a cozy blanket. =)

Ahhh, sunshine...

All caught up now. I've noticed my photos so far this year have been kinda dark and uncolorful. I will seek out some brightness next week! Hooray, colors!!

Alright, so here's the deal, my friends....

(I crossed out the old info, here's the NEW deal....)

Since ChipIn wasn't really what I was looking for, I've decided to do away with the whole goal and deadline thing. (Even though I was REALLY excited to do that)...Instead, I'm accepting donations straight through PayPal. Which, to me, seems much safer than including the ChipIn middleman. So now, there are no deadlines, but still that $700 goal. I will keep you all updated on how this little fundraiser is going, and hopefully before it's time to shoot those weddings, I'll be able to purchase some awesome new equipment. (Here's the info on that, copied from my crossed out text: Basically, I have three weddings to shoot this summer, and I really really really want some new equipment before those big days. I want to give my clients some amazing photos and I want their wedding shoot to go as smoothly as possible, so I'm looking at getting a new lens and some other great equipment which will help achieve the best results. I've got lots of other life expenses piling up, so I doubt I'll be able to afford these things on my own. So I'm trying this out, to see if I can raise some money through here)

If you'd like to contribute, click on the fancy new "Donate" button below. This button will be on my blog all the time, so it'll be available later if you decide to chip in.

Thanks so so soooo much for any donations, they will help me get myself off my feet and living my dream. =)

I've started a ChipIn account. What this means, is that I've set a goal to raise $700 by April 1st, through donations made by my lovely readers (you!) I've never done anything like this before - I've never asked people for money, but I think this is a good way to get started with my photo business. Basically, I have three weddings to shoot this summer, and I really really really want some new equipment before those big days. I want to give my clients some amazing photos and I want their wedding shoot to go as smoothly as possible, so I'm looking at getting a new lens and some other great equipment which will help achieve the best results. I've got lots of other life expenses piling up, so I doubt I'll be able to afford these things on my own. So I'm trying this out, to see if I can raise some money through here.

Any help would be immensely appreciated. Just use the link below to get started.

(PS - The thing about ChipIn is, if my goal isn't reached by my deadline, then your donations don't make it to me and you keep the money. So, if you're really interested in helping out, it is very important that I reach my goal. Feel free to pass this along to friends and family who might be willing to donate, as well.
Also, if you make a donation, let me know! I'll figure out some cool way to repay you in the future, whether by a quick photoshoot or maybe a print or seven of a photo of your choice. We'll figure all that out later. I just want you to know that any amount is soooo much appreciated, and I could not thank you enough for the help.)

So...Here we go!!

WAIT!! Update: The ChipIn thing is being silly and not working the way I was wanting it to. So, I'm going to check out a few more options and then re-post all this info. So hang on, we'll be rolling in no time!

Make a Guess!

Hello, friends.

Who remembers my "Too Close Tuesdays" challenges? Yeah, me too. Yesterday I really REALLY wanted to do something for it and get those back up and running, but it was late and the sun had set and the lighting just wasn't working out for me.

HOWEVER, today everything was working in my favor so I got super close to an object and here is the result for all you lovely people:

Pretty cool, huh? Who can tell me what it is? Leave guesses in the comments and I'll reveal the answer soon. This is way fun when people participate, so if you read this, MAKE A GUESS!! Don't be shy. I love love love getting comments, especially when they're TCT guesses.

In other news, I'm still jobless. It's killing me. I am soooo bored of sitting around here. Last week I returned lots of applications to different places who said they were hiring, and few to places that I just decided to try out even though they didn't have the "We're Hiring" signs. The funny thing is, I've heard the most positive feedback from the places who weren't necessarily looking for help. What the heck? ....I'm just hoping that someone chooses me SOON, before I go absolutely crazy.

I have a friend who was wondering what it is that guys look for when they're meeting girls, because she has every great quality, but still no boyfriend. Well, my current dilemma is very similar: What is it that employers want? I mean SERIOUSLY...I've got a good job history, great references, experience in a bunch of different settings and situations, including computers, cashiering, customer service, and even sales, I have 100% open availability with zero other responsibilities, and I am a college graduate! What more could these people possibly want?? I hate to be such a downer, but it is VERY depressing when you realize that you have all the right pieces, yet you still somehow don't fit.

Anywho...Trying to stay positive, but it's pretty hard to do these days.

So I take photos instead.

Recently, not very good photos...But at least I feel like I'm doing something. Three photos, January 1-3.

Felt like this was sort of funny Monday morning. My big-dumb-old-POS Gateway, and my big-dumb-old-POS LG phone on the left. And Brian's brand-new-super-awesome Macbook Pro, and his brand-new-super-awesome iPhone on the right. Must be nice, my friend... And, of course, Bambi in the middle. (Summer, look at him grow!!)

Ice water. Yeah, told you these weren't very good. Or interesting....

Glass marbles in Bambi's jar. He has a pretty home. =)

As much as my joblessness sucks, I'm still feeling good about this year. It's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but I know it's there. I've got lots of photo opportunities this year (THREE weddings! Two engagements! And probably Dustin's senior photos sometime this summer...And who knows what else I'll get to do...) It is very exciting and I am so so so thankful for these opportunities.

Bring it, 2012...Just hurry it up please. I'm tired of waiting. =P

(Also, do me a favor and check out my good buddy Dylan's comic, Little Alice! He's been working on this since early this summer and it is so fun to follow along with him and watch the progress. As you click through each page, you can totally see him improving every day. So proud of you, Dylan! Keep it up!)

Good-bye, 2011!

My Friday night: Watching Say Yes to the Dress, drinking a Sprite/Lemonade drink that I mixed up about seven hours ago at Jimmy John's, sort of working on a difficult puzzle, eating Velveeta Shells & Cheese, and hanging out on Pinterest with my buddy Sierra.

All 24 year olds should have exciting Fridays like this. Seriously.

No, but really...I'm going to take a break from all this fun stuff and do a nice little re-cap of 2011. Because HOLY COW, it's almost over!! So let's all say a big huge HELLO to the year 2012!

This has been one hell of a year for me. So much has happened and so many changes have made their way into my life. First and foremost, I graduated college. After spending five years in one place, feeling like all you're doing is repeating last year over and over again, the end seemed so far away. But then suddenly it came out of nowhere and here I am with a fancy diploma and the ability to check "yes" in the little box on job applications that ask if you graduated. It's a fun feeling. Have I used my degree to my advantage at all? Nope! Will I someday? Probably not! But the people I met and the skills I am now able to apply to my work are very worth the ginormous amount of student loan debt I put myself into. I've made lifelong friends at DSU and so many memories that will stick with me through 2012 and all the years to follow.

In 2011 I moved 400 miles from home and into a city that pretty much scares the crap out of me. It's been an experience already, and I do enjoy this city with its bazillion amazing places to eat. (Philly Ted's, Schlotzky's Deli, Jake's BBQ, Firehouse Brewery, Arnold's Diner, and Black Hills Bagels, just to name a few.)

I had an internship with a really fun company and was called a "professional photographer" for the first time in my life. I met lots of cool people and read lots of cool books during these days. I visited George, Tom, Ted, and Abe (aka Mt. Rushmore) every day, and got to witness lots of people seeing it for the first time. My favorites were the older ladies who would gasp "Ohhh my, look at that!" and I realized that I had the coolest job in the world.

I met some incredible people while working in Keystone. Three crazy Canadians, and Ally, who grew up 20 miles from me, along with Robinn and Genny and Don and everyone else who we worked with all summer. I gained lots of confidence in myself and my abilities and was able to make friends with people who I would have otherwise thought I had nothing in common with.

On some less serious notes:

This year I had my first three photos published in a real book. I also had my very first photography show. I spent a summer away from home and missed my brother's entire baseball season, including his State Championship game, complete with his late-inning home run hit. I met someone who changed my life, and because of that, met some people who I know I want to be a part of my life for as long as possible. I lost my grandma, but I still keep her voicemail on my phone so I can listen to her any time I want. I saw some great musicians play in concert at a county fair and had the time of my life with new friends. I held hands and I hugged. I cooked lots of meals, I drank lots of tea, and I ran lots of miles. I fell in love with a new band (Mumford & Sons) and I fell in love with a new song (Head Full of Doubt.) I made plans for my future. I smiled and I cried and I laughed and I prayed and I realized that my life is my own and I can do whatever I want.

 

This past year has opened my eyes to myself and the people around me. I've changed a lot, and I can't wait to see who I become in 2012. =)

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Anyone else spending their Christmas evening watching football? Good times...GO BEARS!!

Just wanted to share a few fun Christmas photos. There's only three. The lack of snow kind of takes away my crazy motivation to take pictures. The near 50 degree weather was super nice, but I enjoy the snow way more.

Halle's birthday cupcakes. =)

Just a few Christmas bows. So shiny! =P

Last night's sunset, on our way to my aunt's house. <3

How did everyone spend their time this weekend? I drove home on Thursday and will be going back to Rapid City on Tuesday. Last night we had our traditional Christmas Eve get-together with my dad's side of the family. Ate some food, went on a hay ride, and had a gift exchange. Today we spent the day with my mom's side of the family. Ate some more food, played our gift exchange game (always so much fun!) and then sat around and ate some more food and played a board game. I have one incredibly amazing family and even though Grandma wasn't here this year, we still made the best of the time we have together. =)

Almost time for the New Year! Need to make my resolutions which I never follow! Woo!

Tuckered Out

Just in case I don't get here this weekend (Which is highly likely, considering my posting stats these days...) I want to send out a very Merry Christmas to all my friends right now. So...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

That was fun, huh?

Anywho...

Last weekend we had our family Christmas party at my parents' house. It was a fun time, for sure. We spent the majority of the evening playing board games. I think we collectively received 5 new games between all of us, so we tested most of them out to make sure they were up to the Livingston Family Board Game quality. Most of them passed.

I have the cutest sequence of photos to share with you.

My nephew, Tucker, must have been looking for a place to get away from everyone, and found some shelter under the kitchen table. Take a look...

And to add to the cuteness of this little boy, we quickly found out that he had fallen asleep. In this position, under the table, with his little plumbers butt hanging out.

A little while later, we decided to check on him again...

Holding his booty in the air must have been a little too much work...However, can't say this looks much more comfortable.

Apparently he didn't either.

A little while later...

MUCH BETTER!!

Here's a close-up of this cutie-pie:

Cutest little boy in the world, for sure. And he sleeps under tables!! I just wanna hug him. All the time. Forever. The end.

I hope you all have a joyous and safe Christmas weekend. God bless! <3

Alive

HEY, I'M STILL ALIVE!!

Thought that would be a good place to start. I've been silent on here for a long time, huh? That's because I don't really have much going on right now. I moved out of Rapid City hoping to land a pretty awesome job up in Aberdeen - things looked good when I left. Then I got home (where I had planned to stay for just a few days, a week or two at most) and everything kind of fell through and I was having terrible luck with jobs. So, I've been sleeping on my parents' couch, looking online for jobs, and feeling generally pretty crappy about everything.

My student loan payments started this month. And I freaked out and said "Here I am, unemployed, with bills coming in and no way to keep paying for them." So, I decided that moving back to Rapid City is my best bet right now. I wont have to pay full rent, and both Brian and I will have someone to hang out with. Win-win, for the most part. In turn I have to sacrifice some things that I was really hoping/planning/excited for, but I know I need to do this and all I can say is that we'll see what the future brings. So I'll be heading back out there on Sunday, hopefully the old Exploder can make the trip!

Anywho...So now that my sad life update is finished, here's a few of my photo adventures since I last talked to you all...

My brother's little family. =) One of the first days I was home, we took a trip to Newton Hills and did a fun little photoshoot with them. It was lots of fun, the weather was perfect, and we got some great shots. These are some of my favorites...

Soooo cute!!

I was feeling inspired last week so I called my sister and told her to bring the kids over for some Christmas photos. We had a fun little time doing this photoshoot, and got some good new pictures out of it. I'm really happy with how they turned out. I have the CUTEST nieces and nephews in the world. =)

Monday was Dustin's first game of the season. They played Canistota, and basically got their butts kicked. But I know they'll fall into their groove soon. It was still fun to watch, and I'm glad I was home to see it.

Free throw concentration!!

Wooo!! So now we're somewhat caught up. There's more photos that could be thrown in there, but those were the main ones I wanted to share.

Hoping it snows soon so I can get some fun winter shots again...Those are always the best!