Just For Me

As every mother, or parent for that mater, would likely say, once your kids come along it's not very often that you do things just for you.  Suddenly your children and the everyday necessities of your household require the time and money that was once not nearly so scarce.  Shopping trips to The Loft are replaced by splurges at The Children's Place.  New furniture becomes backyard play sets.  Date nights are now family pizza parties.  And I wouldn't change it for anything.

However, being a parent doesn't mean losing sight of yourself.  And having a hobby or taking a break to do something just for you (Drew, for example, plays golf) is not selfish; rather, it's essential.  As of last night I'm doing just that.

This ball was put in motion at Christmastime when my parents pulled off the ultimate surprise and gave me a Canon Digital SLR Camera.  One I had drooled over and admired from afar but never expected to own. 

My first step was accessorizing.  I immediately purchased this gorgeous camera bag and camera strap for my new prized possession.  I still didn't know how to use the thing, but darn it if I wouldn't look the part!

The next thing I did was sign up for Beginning Digital Photography at the Lawrence Arts Center.  Here I was with this expensive piece of equipment and high hopes for learning just enough to take quality pictures without having to pay a professional as each of Jack's milestones came and went.  Yet I was completely intimidated by the camera and all of it's features.  I decided I owe it to myself (and my parents) to take this seriously and learn to use my camera to it's full potential.

It was the best move I could have made.

Last night was the first class in an 8-week session and I absolutely loved it.  Our instructor is kind and funny and patient and unassuming.  Our class is small, just 12 of us in the digital media lab.  Where we each have our own Mac with a massive monitor and the room is on total lock down due to the crazy amount of valuable equipment inside. 

It's an eclectic group. There is Richard who is recently retired and looking for a hobby.  The guy (oops...forgot his name) who's an insurance adjuster and takes tons of photos (think Hurricane Katrina, Greensboro, KS, etc.) and wants to hone his skills.  There's Helga who already has her own photography business but no formal training.  A freshman at KU who wants to go into PR and "is always the girl with the camera who takes tons of pictures of her friends and stuff".  And several other moms like me, who just want to learn to take better pictures.

There will be lectures, assignments, and photo sharing every week.  In fact, I'll do my best to chronicle this journey here as well.  Hopefully, in time, you too will notice an improvement in the images I post.

Thank you Mom & Dad for putting this ball in motion.  Thank you Drew for holding down the fort at home for these 8 weeks.  I know it's no big deal to you, but I appreciate it none the less.

It feels really good to do something just for me.