A Busy Summer

Throughout most of the year, Dave and I spend our weekends and vast majority of our downtime in general, doing nothing. We laze about the house playing video games and ever so slowly getting our chores done. This summer, this has not been the case. We have had trips planned and outing with family and friends and unfortunately tons of work to do. The summer has been so busy that I bought a moleskine to be able to keep track of it all. We have also had to resort to booking time off. All this being said, the things we have had planned have been really fun and I am looking forward to the events coming up, but I am a hermit and enjoy my time around the house and when I do not get to do it that often, I start to get stressed and really worn out. We have a weekend off coming up so hopefully that will help me out as my stress levels are pretty high lately.

Fall Foliage

As Dave and I are driving around the neighbourhood I keep thinking how pretty the trees are and how I wish I could remember to bring my camera along with me when we are going to our normal, everyday places. Now I might just try putting the summer photos I have taken into Photoshop, masking the leaves and changing the saturation levels. Thanks XKCD.

Comic from XKCD.

Biodome de Montreal

As part of our trip to Montreal, Dave and I went to the Biodome de Montreal. We went on a Saturday afternoon and apparently that is an incredibly bad idea. The lineup to get in wrapped halfway around the Biodome. It took somewhere from 30-45 minutes to get in, but we didn't have to wait around any longer than that as we already had tickets since we had bought a package deal at the Botanical Gardens which we visited earlier in the day.
There was just a ridiculous amount of people and Dave and I didn't spend as long in the Biodome as I had thought we would. We skipped a few of the less popular displays in an attempt to bypass the crowds, but to no avail. We elbowed our way up to the popular displays so I could try to get some shots, but weren't that successful. I got lots of shots, but none are really that great as the lighting was low and we weren't able to get the tripod out due to the afforementioned crowds.
The lemurs were probably my favourite display. The keeper was talking to the crowds but in french so I only caught parts of it as I had to concentrate of my photography. Despite the crowds and lack of really great photos, I enjoyed the Biodome. Next time though, we will make a point of going in the morning.

One Minute Writer #4

If you could choose to put all your tax money toward one area of spending, what would it be?
I have thought about this and can't decide. I have two ideas - both pretty predictable when it comes to me: camera equipment and travel. I want to purchase multiple pieces of equipment for my photography, the big ones right now are a macro lens and a flash attachment. I am planning on getting the macro lens before the Tulip Festival starts as a belated birthday present to myself (and partially my parents and Dave).
I also want to go to Montreal soon and would really enjoy spending the money on that.
When it comes right down to it, I intend on doing both things and the tax return is just a bonus. I will be buying camera equipment and I will be travelling this spring/summer. That makes me happy.

Maritimes

I am starting to plan our vacation out east for this summer (I know it's a little early, but that is how I roll). I have really no clue as to where to start in terms of the route - I can Google it but I don't know where the good places to visit are. Since I know many people have done this trip before I am asking for help - any suggestions would be very much appreciated. I am currently thinking of going through Canada on the way there and stopping in Quebec City for a couple of days and then returning to Ottawa through the states (crossing the bridge at Prescott/Johnstown for comfort sake). Anyway, this is pretty much all I have so far as I really only started my research today - I am sure more will come as I play around in Google.

Sailing

Annual trip to the Chris' cottage this year included a day on the her parents' (and aunt and uncles') sailboat - so great. The whole weekend was beyond words. Thank you Chris (and family).

End of Summer 2007

Summer 2007 is over now.
I have started classes and therefore can't ignore the fact that it is now longer summer.
Fall, my favourite seasion, is starting -- I noticed the leaves on the tree outside the house were starting to turn red. This makes a vast majority of people sad since it means it will be getting colder, but I personally like the cold weather over the warm. In my opinion you can always put more clothing on -- but there is a limit to how much you can take off particularly when you are in public.