Camera Time

Here's the scoop.  I really want a new camera soon, but I don't know enough about cameras to make a good choice.  Plus, I need to know how much I'll be spending so I can save it up, which is why I'm asking now instead of later.

Please Help!

 I feel so camera-challenged

Let me tell you what I want out of a camera; and those of you that know your stuff can tell me what to look for! 

1. Super Red-Eye Reduction, or just complete elimination!
2. Anti-shake
3. Good zoom
4. Small enough that I don't feel like I'm lugging my life everywhere, yet big enough that when I take pictures randomly people don't think I'm a creeper with a hidden camera (such as at ward activities)
5. Crisp color and lines (I know this has a lot to do with the photographer, but I'll work on that!)\
6. Good low-light pictures - mine goes super grainy

This is how ancient my current camera feels to me, only lighter!

What's wrong with THIS picture?

You think I should have maybe looked in the mirror just ONE MORE TIME before heading to work this morning?  I sure do!

Don't mind my ugly hair in this pic.  It was pulled back for ease of finding my mishap. :)

What I Love About Halloween

Halloween always brings out another side of people.  There is always the guy who doesn't dress up, the girl who simply puts a hat on, the guy with the same costume every year, the girl with little clothing on and calling a costume (ridiculous!), and then there's the "go get 'em" people.  Personally, I think Halloween says a lot about the person... ya know, the way they choose to "transform" themselves, becoming their alter egos.  But all in all, its mostly just fun to see the variety of costumes!

Pictures from Deb's annual Halloween party, courtesy of Sarah

This year I went as Medusa and took my friend, Andrew, as Perseus.

Then of course, we all dressed up at work and invited the entire building to come to our office for treats and kids to trick or treat.  It was a fun Friday!

The two receptionists on the left were each other.  It was great!  We're also missing a few people in this pic.

Fall Beauty

Monday morning, as I was driving to work, I actually opened my eyes and realized just how beautiful the drive to work is these days.  All too often I forget to look around while I drive.  Instead, I'm watching for cops to show out of no where or I am anxiously waiting for the light to turn green after the slow driver in front of me has finally turned right.  But this day, beauty could not be hid.

Sunday night's windy rain/storm created the most beautiful natural sight.  The leaves had blown off the trees and were scattered across the road, some still in the trees, and the mountain tops were tipped with the first light snow of the season.  From where I was driving I could see the mountain tops through the tree lined street.  I drove it again on my lunch break.  Unfortunately, by the time I was finally able to break away from work, the leaves had blown back to the side of the road by the wind of the passing cars and the morning light was no longer glistening off the snow.  But the sight was still picture worthy.

Utah really is a beautiful place!

Masquerade Ball

Last week I got invited to a private masquerade ball. Super exciting, right?  Any girl loves to dress up, plus it's October so adding a mask is perfect!  Minor detail... no dress.  I spent the week trying to locate a good formal dress with really no success.  I tried on several of mine and my sisters' high school formals, none of which fit (by the way, that is NOT a good sign).  Then I asked around to some friends and located a few that fit, but didn't work so well with my G's.  Tough game finding a modest formal on a budget!

It was Friday, the day of the ball, and I still didn't have a dress OR a mask!  What is a girl to do?  I'll tell you what she does...

She goes to J.C.Penny's where first of all she gets triple the reward points on her debit card, and secondly, she miraculously happens upon a door buster sale.  Formal dresses at 50% off!  I totally scored!

Next, I was off to find the perfect mask!

Me and Kristina just about to head out to the ball!

The night turned out pretty well if you ask me.  Plus, Kristina introduced me to a great guy who got my number at the end of the night.  We'll see if that actually goes anywhere!

Fall Ride

Last year, after our bishopric changed, I found myself riding through Dimple Dell on the back of a beautiful horse!  My bishop has several horses and felt like it would be the best way to get to know my presidency... He was right.  Well, the last year has been full of fun and exciting things, including two of my presidency members getting married.  This, of course, resulted in two new members!

Now it is fall again, and Bishop has a few more presidency members to know better.  Oh how I love the perks to my calling!  Again, we took his horses to Dimple Dell and rode through the beautifully changing leaves.  There is nothing that compares to the excitement I feel when I can just ride.

Unfortunately, not all my presidency was able to make it.  Mandy's right foot has been in a cast since August following a bad wakeboarding accident and Annie got called into some last minute meetings for her job.  But for those of us that went, we had a wonderful time!

(L to R): Elizabeth, Shelisa, me, Bishop's wife

Pumpking Picking

There is a joy to be had when kids are around!

I loved spending the afternoon at the pumpkin patch with my sister, Becca, and her two boys.

The beginning maze thrilled the boys!  It was tough to get them to stop running long enough for a picture.

It was nearly impossible to get them out of the maze.  We had to lure them out with a ride in the wheel barrow.  It worked for a little while.  :)

But riding in the wheel barrow wasn't enough, they had the most fun running through the pumpkins.

And I loved spending the day with them!