Somewhere Far Away

Tomorrow is the start of exams for Longwood's campus. And in light of the stresses that have already started, I've been imagining being anywhere else but here.

Somewhere like this, for example. Although, climbing those steps might stress me out a bit. Ahaha. But really, who wouldn't want to live here or a place just like it? Well, I suppose if you're not a fan of tropical places. I would kill to be anywhere like this. I think living ontop of a rock in the middle of the ocean would be kind of cool, especially if you could look out and see all kinds of sea creatures swimming around, hopefully I would get to see some turtles and maybe the occasional shark or two.

We've been watching a lot of wedding shows lately and thus talking about our weddings and honeymoons and I've pretty much decided that I'm going to go with an inexpensive wedding and then go all out for the honeymoon - hopefully to somewhere tropical, or maybe Europe, we'll see.

I've always wanted to stay in a bungalow like these in Bora Bora. Guess I better start saving now, huh?

Anyway, notice to all those out there stressed over exams: don't overdo it. If you're feeling burnt out and need a place to escape, visit this website (The Quiet Place). It is very relaxing if you follow directions and just get away for a few minutes.

Happy Exams! And may the curve be ever in your favor!

Obsessed? I prefer "Passionate".

My one true vice in this world is the WB/CW show Gilmore Girls (2000-2007). Short synopsis - it's about a single mom (Lorelai Gilmore) raising her daughter (Rory) through her teenage years and then in college. It begins in Rory's sophomore year of high school and finishes after she's just graduated college. The show has many ups and downs and drama and comedy swirled in one savory sitcom. 


I didn't start watching the show until about seventh grade, so 2003ish? And then finished with the finale. I laughed, I cried, and I learned Sarcasm 101 from Lorelai whose witty banter inspired me to be Lorelai-esque. 


I read and wrote with Rory, played dress up with Emily, danced with Miss Patty, argued with Taylor, goofed off with Kirk, went fishing with Luke, complained with Michel, cooked with Sookie, and rocked out with Lane, all while juggling whether I liked Jess or Logan more (Jess, of course). I quoted and mimicked and took quotes from the show as my own and then proceeded to buy every season (1-7). Gilmore Girls was more than a show for me, but rather a lifestyle. 


So in honor of my Gilmore Girls post, I'd like to leave you with some funny quotes and clips from the show. Enjoy. 

Scene from 3x20 Say Goodnight, Gracie

Scene from 2x16 There's the Rub

Coffee Talk - Seasons 1-5. 




This next scene wouldn't embed into this post, but please view it [here]. It's from the pilot episode and it's hilarious. Showing off Michel and his antics. 
And of course, my favorite of these scenes wouldn't embed either, but here's the clip [here]. It's Rory's graduation speech from high school and it's so beautifully written and said and projected. I know it by heart (don't judge me). 


And now enough clips, but here's some quotes that I couldn't find clips for. Enjoy. 


Rory: Lorelai Gilmore. Nope, doesn't sound model-y enough. You need something that stands out more. How about Waffle. We could call you Waffle and say you're from Belgium. 
--
Dave Rygalski: A few weeks ago you told me that Lane had a crush on me. Well, I have a crush on her, too. Now, I know you have very strict rules about dating and boys, but I just want you to know that I'm a good person. I don't smoke, I don't drink, I've never gotten a ticket, I'm healthy, I take care of myself, I floss. I never watch more than 30 minutes of television a night partly because I think it's a waste of time and partly because there's nothing on. I respect my parents, I do well in school, I never play video games in case they do someday prove that playing them can turn you into a serial killer. I don't drink coffee. I hate soda because the carbonation freaks me out. I'm happy to give up meat if you feel strongly about it. I don't mind wearing a tie. I enjoy playing those hymns on my guitar, and I really, really want to take your daughter to the prom. 
--
Rory: Oh, and I told Paris that you would make all of our costumes so she wants to have a concept meeting with you tomorrow at three. 
Lorelai: What? 
Rory: Yeah, she needs a resume and samples of your previous work and, uh, referrals. 
Lorelai: And my bare butt to kiss? 
Rory: If you think that will set you apart from the other applicants, yes. 
--
Rory: He's the boy who dissected a frog, did not wash his hands, and then ate a sandwich. 
Lorelai: Ew! 
Rory: He's like the lost Farrelly brother. He's so stupid. He watched 'The Breakfast Club' and decided to tape his own butt cheeks together. 
--
Rory: We came here. They broke into the headmaster's office as the big initiation. 
Lorelai: Ugh, those stupid girls. 
Rory: Uh huh. Part of the initiation was ringing a bell. So, that's what I was doing when security showed up and they called you. 
Lorelai: That's what you got busted for? That's it? Bell-ringing? 
Rory: Yes. 
Lorelai: Were you at least smoking a Cuban cigar while you were doing it? 
Rory: Mom. 
Lorelai: No, I mean, "bad girl, how many times have I told you not to ring bells?" 
Rory: Let's go. 
Lorelai: "They can dent, or scratch, and they make dogs go crazy. Who do you think you are, the Hunchback of Notre Dame? Are you French? Circular? I don't think so." 
--
Logan: Rory, you're special. 
Rory: Like "stop-eating-the-paste" special? 
--
Marty: Okay. I remember something about Rome. Rome. Rome. Romans live there. Audrey Hepburn took a holiday there. It's the name of a B52s song. 
Rory: Different Rome. 
Marty: Okay. That's it. I can't remember. College is breaking my spirit. Every single day telling me things I don't know, it's making me feel stupid. 
--
Richard: Focus, please. 
Lorelai: I am a camera. 
--
Rory: So, is this party Grandma's having going to be a big deal? 
Lorelai: Not really. The government will close that day. Flags will fly at half-mast. Barbra Streisand will give her final concert... again. 
Rory: Uh-huh. 
Lorelai: Now, the Pope has previous plans, but he's trying to get out of them. However, Elvis and Jim Morrison are coming and they're bringing chips. 
--
Lorelai: Give me a burger, onion rings, and a list of people who killed their parents and got away with it. I need some heroes. 
--
Emily: You were on the phone? 
Richard: Long distance. 
Lorelai: God? 
Richard: London. 
Lorelai: God lives in London? 
Richard: My mother lives in London. 
Lorelai: Your mother is God? 
Richard: Lorelai... 
Lorelai: So, God *is* a woman. 
Richard: Lorelai. 
Lorelai: *And* a relative. That's so cool. I'm gonna totally ask for favors. 
--
Lorelai: It means like, Virgin Mary. It means they think you look like a goody-goody. 
Rory: You're kidding. 
Lorelai: No. 
Rory: Well what would they have called me if they thought I looked like a slut? 
Lorelai: Well, they might have added a Magdalene to it. 
Rory: Wow. Biblical insults. This is an advanced school. 
--
Rory: So, Grandpa, how's the insurance biz? 
Richard: Oh, people die, we pay. People crash, we pay. People lose a foot, we pay. 
Lorelai: Well, at least you have your new slogan. 
--
Emily: I did not steal your father, I simply gave him a choice. 
Richard: When you came to my fraternity in that blue dress, I had no choice. 
Lorelai: You stole my father with fashion. 
--
Rory: I can't even open my eyes. 
Lorelai: That's okay, there's nothing to see. Kirk's in a Speedo, Taylor's in a skirt, Al's in assless chaps. 
Rory: Oh my God, stop. I'm never gonna be able to close my eyes again. 
--
Mia: The town had a fake murder? 
Lorelai: Yes, because the town is too dull to have a real murder. 
--
Jess: Romeo and Juliet had warring families and they still managed to do a little damage, you know? 
Luke: Well, as soon as I catch you in a pair of tights, I'll get worried. 

Great Scott! No! Great Dane!

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a weakness for dogs. More specifically three types of dogs, Corgis, Boxers, and Great Danes. I am making it a point in my lifetime to own all of these dogs, not necessarily at the same time, but I will. I'll probably get a Boxer first, when I move out and need a dog to protect me. And then a Great Dane when I marry rich (because I'll be a teacher) and we build our dream house in the river and have a huge backyard where this little (ha!) guy can frolic, and then a Corgi to keep me company in my old age.

But yes, I absolutely love Great Danes! Anytime I see one, I just want to run up and hug it's huge neck! And even more so, I love BLUE Great Danes such as this little guy here. Isn't he precious?

Oh oh oh! I really can't wait until I can have one of my own! And it may be totally unoriginal and cliche, but if (I mean, when) I get a blue Great Dane, his name will be Blue. Yes, Blue. [And then when I get a Boxer, his name will be Hero, and my Corgi will be Oscar. I've had these names picked out since high school.]

Now, please enjoy these other pictures of my future dog! 

And while I'm at it, I might as well post some pictures of Boxers and Corgis, because who doesn't love dogs on their blogs? (Ahaha, I rhymed.)

Okay, okay. I know that Great Danes and Boxers are incomparable in height to Corgis, and I don't typically like small dogs, but look at that face! How precious?!?! I just love them! 

UPDATE for April! (:

Hey everyone! I've been so so busy these last few weeks with school and such, but I've also been taking pictures whatever chance I get! So here's just some pictures of what I've been doing the past few weeks.

The Friday of Spring Weekend, I took pictures of Matt & Mallory around campus and Farmville. Here's some of my favorites.

 And then the Sunday AFTER Spring Weekend, I took pictures of Nikki & Casey. We started later than planned, but it actually worked out VERY well because the sun was going down and we had excellent light! Here some of those pics. (:

And THEN, as I've blogged happily about, I was a second shooter in a wedding on Saturday that the wonderful Ashley Link of V.A. Photography, asked me to help out with. And here's just a preview of some of the shots I got.

I've had a crazy busy couple of weeks but it's all been worth it. And this Thursday, I'll be shooting Sara dancing in the dress rehearsal of Longwood Dance Company's Spring Showcase! So, those pictures will be up soon! Have a wonderful day! (: 

Relay for Life

In October of 2010, I found out my dad had cancer. And as I watched him go through the treatment it tore me up inside. And in December that same year, I distinctly remember I was in New York on my second mission trip to Bowery in Manhattan, when I got a call from him and he'd finished treatment and it was all gone and he sounded himself again. It was the best day of my life.

And then, this past Christmas break, 2011, my fears were confirmed after a month or so of speculation, that yes, the cancer had returned and it was much worse. But he's since then been getting treatment, and it is over.

I've come to the realization that God puts obstacles in our lives for a reason and even though it drives me crazy that we don't know for certain if this is the last time he'll ever have to go through this or if this is something he'll be fighting for the rest of his life. All I know for certain is that God is following through on His plan and we'll never know exactly what it is.

I'm a very private person and I hardly ever show much emotion, thanks to my mother for pointing it out to me. I never cry in front of people and tend to keep everything inside, but right now, in light of Relay for Life, I'm letting it all out.

I don't have to be as strong as I make myself believe and I don't have to have everything under my control. It's okay to ask for a little help now and then. But of course, I am my father's daughter, because I'm exactly like him.

Tonight, I walked a lap for my dad, a second time cancer survivor, and hopefully for the rest of his long and healthy life.

I love you daddy.

Finally Friday!

It's tomorrow, folks! Tomorrow is the day (with today being Friday, and tomorrow being Saturday).

In about thirty two hours I will be on the way to... well, I'm not entirely sure where we're going, but I will be on my way with the wonderful Ashley Link of V.A. Photography, who is one of my good friends to photograph a wedding! A WEDDING! Like, with a bride and a groom and a venue and vows and I will be helping to photograph it! Ashley made my life when she asked if I would help her. Literally, I think I couldn't breathe. This will be so wonderful for me as a photographer to help learn and see what it's like to photograph a real wedding.

I am beyond words. If I tried to say how much I am looking forward to this and how excited I am, words would fail.

I can barely type right now I'm so excited. All I have to do is get through tomorrow, three classes separate me and this fabulous weekend.

Oh please, oh please come quickly!

Caine's Arcade

Today I was surfing the net, like I usually do and I came across this video on this woman's blog. She's fantastic and crafty and those are the types of blogs I like. You can visit her blog here.

But I was checking it out and I found this video about Caine's Arcade in Los Angeles. And let me just say, if I ever get out there, I'm visiting this kid's arcade. And I know that one day he'll own one of the best arcades in LA, maybe even the world! (: