Snapshots | School Days

Is it terrible that the only posts I manage to bring you these days are ranting and ravings about what I've been up to? With an instagram or two thrown in? At least I managed to combine this week's snapshots into a collage.

These days I'm really lovingthese downward perspective photos. Okay, excuse that poor explanation but really, I like taking a photo like this each day - a little diary of the weather, my outfit, my surroundings. I think it's going to be my new thing because, well, selfies? So not my thing.

Is that okay? Or are you tired of my feet already?

In other news: I finally have emojis and I'm enjoying it. I don't know about you but I can definitely explain myself better with little icons of doughnuts, fist pumps, and cats with financial expressions. Last week, after years of broken screens, non-functioning home buttons and frustration, I finally upgraded to a new iPhone. Maybe it's the improved camera, the new scenery, or even the sunny (104 degree!) weather, but I've been definitely snapping more photos these days.

I guess you could say I've been on a bit of a shopping spree this week, really - I finally purchased new glasses. (I'll share more about my Warby Parker experience, and my indecision, when they arrive!) Throw in some Clearance tees from Target, a sequin bombshell of a dress and some Turkey Hill iced tea and you've got my week.

Don't forget, Google Reader is going away this weekend! As of Monday, Friend Connect will exist no longer. I encourage you to subscribe to Sunlight and Air using your favorite blog reader. You can find me on bloglovin' here.

Ten on Tuesday | Recently Read

Though I celebrated my twenty-first birthday in September, it took me until February to share twenty one goals I planned to accomplish before I turned twenty-two. More than eight months into my twenty-first year and I've accomplished... maybe three of those goals. Some have had to be altered because of our move, some are still on my list, while others are no longer of interest, and some, like reading twenty-one books, are in progress.

During my four years of undergraduate study, I may have only read a handful of books on my own accord. I suppose I was busy with clubs, activities, and school work. But, when I finished my degree in January, I found myself with plenty of time to read. Still, books are expensive and even with a Kindle, I hesitated to purchase novels that I could finish in just a day or two. Now, with a public library card and free e-book downloads? I can't read enough.

I had originally planned to start a "Recently Read" series to review the books on my list but that seemed.. redundant. After all, I'm no book critic. Instead, I thought I would share a brief glimpse with you and tell you which ones I would recommend. Deal?

1 // The Leopard Tree is the tale of three African orphans who make their way to America to speak to United Nations leaders. While it is mostly fun, light-hearted, and easy-to-read, at times it is too unbelievable to be considered a great novel. I likely wouldn't read it again but it could make for a good, short, vacation read.

2 // Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close was in the top three of the books I've read so far this year. I haven't seen the movie but when the novel came up for my turn at the library, I took a chance. The story was thought-provoking and emotional, I found myself highlighting quote after quote, passage after passage. Though young at the time of 9/11, I was deeply affected by the book and Oskar's passion. I would love to get my hands on a physical copy of this book, it was just that good.

3 // I Am Not Myself These Days: A Memoir (P.S.) was nothing like the other books on this list - it was hilarious, raunchy, and over the top. I Am Not Myself These Days tells the story of a drag-queen in 1990's New York City. Though complete with male escorts, boobs that serve as homes to goldfish, and the trifecta of drugs, alcohol and prostitution, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you're on the conservative side, this is definitely not for you but if you're up for feeling the heartbreak and fun of being a drag queen? I totally recommend it.

4 // The Hours... Ugh. This book. I'm not quite sure how it won a Pulitzer Prize but apparently someone, somewhere, thought it was a worthwhile read. After finishing Gone Girl (as you'll see further down the list), I was itching for another book. Trevor put this one, a remnant of his creative writing degree, in my hands and while I finished it all, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. My advice? Skip it.

5 // Chasing Rainbows is another book that fits into the "good beach read" category as the story is simple, easy-to-read, and short. While you spend much of the book feeling up and down for the main character, Bernadette, who has lost her father, her marriage, and her self-respect, it fails to really make a deep impression. (If I'm being honest, I just had to google the main character's name, I couldn't even remember - oops.)

6 // The Great Gatsby makes my list for obvious reasons. I planned to read the novel a second time before seeing the movie but its now the middle of June.. and I still haven't made it to a theatre. I don't need to tell you what its all about so I'll simply say this - if you haven't read it since high school, it's definitely worth picking up again.

7 // The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared seemed like an interesting read but less than a quarter way into it, I realized it wasn't for me. The story weaves the tale of a 100-year-old-man's life with real historical fact. If you are passionate and knowledgable on the subjects discussed? You would likely find it clever and engaging. Unfortunately, I didn't.

8 // Gone Girl. I know, I'm about a year behind on this one but can I just say it. was. so. good. This novel had me reading incessently. I took the hardcover novel to the dinner table, to the gym, to work, and to bed with me for four straight days until I managed to finish it. I'm usually not a fan of suspense, in movies and definitely not in novels, but this one took me by surprise. At times I yelled at loud, I was so shocked. Other times, I'd slam the book, infuriated with the characters. I know many readers were disappointed in the ending but I thought it was perfect. Possibly the most perfect literary ending since Anna Karenina got hit by a train. What I'm trying to say is, you should read it.

9 // Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail ties Gone Girl for my favorite book on this list. When I originally saw others raving about the novel, I thought that it was out of my interest range. Now that I've finished it? I couldn't have been more wrong. Like I said, I've been trying to convince Trevor that we should become long-distance backpackers. He's still not convinced. Wild is about more than backpacking though, the story begins with the loss of Cheryl's mother and weaves its way through the Pacific Crest Trail, full of funny anecdotes, relatable moments. While I typically read books as quickly as possible, I limited myself to only reading on my morning and evening bus rides so that I could make it last just a little bit longer. Even if you know nothing about hiking, mountains, or the PCT, Wild is relatable and a must-have for your summer reading list.

10 // Interview with the Vampire likely seems out of place on this list but it's my current read and besides, you must have realized by now that I have very variable tastes in most things, novels being no exception. Before spotting this for check-out from the library, I hadn't realized that the movie was based on a series of books. I know, I'm so clueless sometimes. Though I'm not yet finished with the book, I have to say that it is almost a hypnotic read. The thoughts, confessions, and memories of a vampire? I can't get enough. (Thankfully there are nine others books to read.)

So tell me, what books have you been reading? Have you read any of the novels that made my list? If so, what did you think?

Lately.

Guys.

I feel like I have just so many things to share with you.

1. I think that my glasses were taken, stolen, swiped, last week. My prescription glasses, the ones I need to see. Gone. I went to a volunteer orientation and used them to watch a powerpoint and video. When I left the hospital, they were gone. No one has seen them. Not the hospital. Not the University. Not the bus station. Who. Does. That.

2. Having my glasses disappear was a great excuse to order five pairs to try on from Warby Parker. My theory is that, like anything else, as soon as you go to replace the missing item, it will appear... Right? (Besides, what does anyone plan to do with my tiny glasses filled with my strange prescription?)

3. I just ordered prints for my first paid photography job in New Mexico. Cool, right? Now, if only I could get around to well, you know, updating my photography website, managing my Facebook page, and filing for a business license.

4. While we're on the subject.. I've been shooting with a Canon 5D Mark II for work and it makes my 60D seem.. well, insufficient. I think this would make a good birthday gift, Mom. (But really, this would be a good alternative.)

5. I also designed and order new business cards this week. I'm so indecisive, it took hours to choose a design. If you were wondering, they match this space. Aqua. Pink. And get this, they're vertical. Please tell me you're a MOO snob too?

6. Yesterday, I experienced my own personal hell. I got to the bus stop after class only to realize that my water bottle was empty. Since my bus was due in five minutes, I decided not to worry about it. Then, forty minutes later, when the bus finally arrived - it arrived without a functioning air conditioner. On a 101 degree day. In Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ugh.

8. By the time I got off the bus, all I wanted in the world was a Dairy Queen twist ice cream in a waffle cone covered entirely in sprinkles. Problem is, I can't even eat ice cream cones.

9. I'm officially halfway through my goal of reading twenty-one books before my twenty-second birthday - and with a habit of reading one book a week, I think I might just make it. I'll be back on Tuesday to share a list of the ten books I've finished.

10. Speaking of books, ever since I started this book, I've been obsessed with the idea of becoming a long distance hiker. I mean, strapping on a backpack and wearing boots until my feet blister.. that just sounds like a good time. (Then again, looking at point 6, this is probably unrealistic.)

11. I would settle for camping but.. we don't even own a tent. So, there's that.

12. Also, I've developed a new addiction: Dunkin Donuts Raspberry Iced Tea. Annnnd it's currently only ninety-nine cents from three to six. I can't get enough.

13. Oh! Oh! Oh! I almost forgot the best news. Pending a background check, I will be volunteering for Child Life at UNM Children's Hospital! GUYS. I can hardly wait.


So tell me, what have you guys been up to lately?

Lifestyle | Mack & Winston

Friday morning, I had the pleasure of photographing these guys - Mack and Winston. Cute, right? There really isn't much more to say than that. Unless of course, you're in the greater Santa Fe or Albuquerque areas and would like some fun portraits of your pets.  Or your kids, your event, your spouse.  You get the idea.  If that's case, I have a lot more to say. Send me an e-mail and we can chat.

First Days

I spent much of the weekend preparing myself for the first day of school. Typical "OMG. its. the. first. day." behavior for someone as Type A and obsessive as me. You had already realized that was the extent of my personality, right? Type A and obsessive? 

Organizing my backpack, purchasing highlighters, getting a haircut, cleaning the house, and struggling over what to wear (I went with hot pink pants, in case you were wondering).

Then, yesterday, as I sat on the bus, the real, public, Albuquerque bus, I felt almost sad to be beginning my graduate career. Not the least bit sad because I didn't want to return to school - or sad because I was terrified of taking the bus alone - but sad because I thought for a moment that this first day of school would be my last.

But, I realized I still had a doctorate degree to begin.
And with that my first day woes were all but gone.

Then, I was handed a camera and the last of my worries disappeared.

Where We Ate | Dinner for Two

dress: Target // necklace: New Eve Jewelry // shoes: Madden Girl // rings: my great grandmother's

Last year, Trevor's birthday was celebrated with cake and snow flurries, with our belongings still in boxes.  But on Friday, when Trevor celebrated his birthday once again, we were surrounded by sand and sun.
To celebrate another year, we put on our finest clothes and headed to dinner in Santa Fe. I'm in love with this little high-low number for the Target clearance rack and Trevor? Well, nothing makes him happier than red pants or the chance to wear a fedora.
Despite having a long list of places to eat and people to see, we settled on a tried and true Santa Fe favorite, Dinner for Two, for our celebration. Though settle is hardly the word for it. 
Fresh cucumber water. Bib lettuce with poached clams and shrimp. Marinated olives with bleu cheese. Calamari ceviche with toasted almonds. Roasted Hawaiian Opa with a compound crab butter. Prime rib and horseradish mashed potatoes. Gluten free key lime pie.
We dined. We laughed. We chatted with the chef.
We celebrated another great year with great food.  Like I said, we hardly settled.