I have a little rant to rave if you all don't mind. You see I'm reading about human growth and development for my next clep test, and I'm also reading a book called "Captivating" about being a woman in Christ. What's the connection and the rant? Well it seems that almost all books look down on being an introverted character. It's called "Anti Social" by phychologists, and it's called "hiding, or escaping" by christians.

Excuse me?

Just because I prefer to be alone does not mean that I harbor any ill intent towards people. It does NOT mean that I am in anyway a social outcast or do not know how to behave around people. It doesn't mean that my relationship with God is out of wack because I prefer one-on-one contact over group studies.

 It just makes me mad!

I am not hiding or escaping when I enjoy reading a book or watching a movie over going to a banquet. It's the way I am. I'd be almost willing to bet that the authors of these ideas are exroverts.  Extroverts just don't understand introverts, they think something is wrong with us.

Case in point: I found  this article spot on about being an introvert! It's quite hilarious! And so true! I totally hope someone who is an introvert writes a book on the subject.

What is your opinion?

One thing that I enjoy is treasure hunting at the local thrift stores. It's amazing what great finds I've gotten over the years! I get a real kick out of finding something special, so I thought I'd share it with you all in a regular feature on my blog. Every time I come home with something amazing I'll post it.

Today I'm going to show you some of my best BOOK finds in the last year. At only 75 cents a piece I'm not going to break my bank, but I can still fill my shelves with beautiful books. *Sigh* Beautiful books. They make me happy.

  So without further ado: 

I don't want you to think every time you go into a shop you'll come out with arms full of stuff. Usually I find one thing per visit. Sometimes a book, sometimes a shirt or a dress, always the unexpected. Which is part of the fun!

What do you think of this new feature on my blog? Would you like to share your treasure finds too? I'd love to see!

I'm looking forward to tomorrow's biology test, because when it's done I'll (hopefully) have only 5 tests left to complete my degree! I'll be able to count down off of one hand. I know it's silly but that is a huge thing for me. It's supposed to rain/sleet tomorrow which is typical. It rained when I took the Rise and Fall of the Soviet Union. It even poured back in 2008 ... remember that story! Well that's the forecast again. Rain.

Next week my schedule is pretty empty, but I'm going to be CRAZY busy editing all the projects I've postponed while studying. I think I have at least 8 editing projects. Two albums, 3 seniors, post cards, an Anniversary shoot, and a business portrait shoot! So yeah, lots of computer work coming up next week. I'm looking forward to being caught up, before starting the next class.

This just looks like fun:

Yesterday I had a senior photo shoot. Not a big deal but since the weather has been extra cold I needed to grab my winter jacket. It's always a sad moment when you have to open up the closet, reach past your light summer jacket, reach past your fall quilted jacket and pull out the long goose down parka. Sad, sad day. I always feel a little bit of freedom is lost when I am tied into a coat. I can't leave the house without it. Another thing to remember etc.

Anyway we had a great photoshoot. The senior was easy to work with and we both enjoyed the session. I took her to one of my favorite alleyways, but it also happens to be one of the scarier ones in town. I don't go there unless there are more than two of us on the shoot, because there are usually strange people hanging out, smoking, drinking and other gross stuff. Thankfully yesterday there was only one strange guy who kept walking past, sort of watching, hanging around, walking away only to show up again later. I'm sure there are no really bad parts of town in my area, but still I was glad there were four of us yesterday! I have an overactive imagination, which is probably a good thing. It keeps me safe!

My upcoming week is very busy, two photoshoots, tons of editing, Bible Study and a Clep test (Biology) on Thursday! I'm going to have to hold off on the editing until after the test so I can focus on studying the next three days. So it's going to be pretty crazy days! I know it doesn't sound like that much, but it all takes a lot of time and effort. I'll probably not have time to blog again until after the test so if you think of it pray for me on Thursday! I'll keep you posted on how I do on the test. :)

I've been thinking lately about this blog. Trying to decide if it's worth keeping it up or if the time has come to move on. But every time I think those sad thoughts I decide I want to keep it! This blog has had a lot of influence on my life and career. Strange but trued.

 For example if I never had this blog I would not have gotten to know a special person! She was an 'acquaintance' who I had lost track of, but we found each other's blogs a few years ago. After reading and commenting and messaging each other we got together in person, and have since then become really good friends! We actually met together this week for a girls night out (Movie, coffee and talking!). It was fabulous!

Another example: If I never had a xanga blog I would not have jumped into the digital world of photography so quickly. When I was starting to research cameras I messaged a fellow Xangan (Who I didn't know personally, just a blog I followed) and he gave me a lot of advice on what to look for.

Also: I found out about a fantastic workshop on xanga, that I would never have heard about anywhere else. That workshop kicked my business into a higher plain; and also introduced me into a world of great photographers, who's blogs I now follow and learn from.

So you see, xanga has been a big influence in my life! I don't want it to end!

I wonder what will happen next that connects itself back to this blog?