Changing

These past few weeks have been full of changes. Changes at home, changes at work, changes, changes, changes... And the next few months don't show signs of that changing... lol

Hubby's shift at work changed a few weeks ago, leaving us with only one day off with everyone at home together. That was an adjustment, but it makes us sure to use that day to spend time together as a family and do something fun vs. wasting it just lying around, so it's been positive. Plus it sets us up for a great schedule once Jordan starts kindergarten in August.

I also just restarted a more rigid diet/exercise plan for myself. I worked really hard in December to meet a goal I wanted for Christmas, but have been totally slacking off since then. I'm heading on vacation in June to see a group of old friends so I'm using that as my new goal to get back on track. I won't be where I wish I was by then, but if I can be on my way I'll feel a whole lot better.

Then this week, I got an offer at work to change my schedule so I'm home earlier every day, which will be awesome, but sets up some challenges with getting to the gym since I'll now be working during the time I usually go, and it means I'll miss some of Jordan's soccer games the rest of this season. But again, the payoff in August to have less time we'll have to have a babysitter for Jordan after school is going to be worth it.

Ironically, another change this week is our weather. It is GORGEOUS outside. Are there really states where the weather is usually like this during April? Temperatures in the 60's and no rain or humidity... I wish I could make it stay. Being able to have my windows open in April does NOT happen in Florida. I will enjoy it while it lasts and then wish for November to roll in as fast as possible...

Nice weather does mean we can spend more time outside though, which gives me more opportunities to practice with my camera. This week I've been playing with ISO and aperture. I've found I'm learning more by having a basic knowledge of how everything works and then just taking pictures with different settings and comparing them. Thank goodness for digital... How did photographers get better when using film without going broke?
I got some shots I'm pretty happy with and posted them below. I'm making an effort to blog more often than just once a week for my photo challenge, so let's hope I keep it up. We'll add it to the list of changes.

 Here's a magnolia blossom from the tree in the backyard,

And a shot of my pretty kitty Maggie, 

Jordan playing baseball (one of the few where his eyes are actually open) ,

And one last picture of the magnolia tree as the sun starts to come down for the evening. This was my favorite shot of the day. I even decided to use it as the main pic on my blog title since it worked with the color scheme...