Pretty much the laziest day ever!

Like I said last night, I was invited to hang out with some friends right at mid-night, so I maybe went to sleep around three this morning? I ended up sleeping in till 1:45, then doing basic stuff until I met up with a friend for dinner. We got amazing desert (Strawberry ice cream topped with real strawberries and drizzled with chocolate sauce, YUM) afterwards and I wish I had gotten more. I was supposed to have more fun friend stuff tonight, but it kept getting pushed back further and further until it just got canceled. So I ended up spending some quality time with a roomie and then watching the Son of Rambo. Such a great movie!!!! I loved it so much. The two little boys are so precious, the entire time I just couldn't help but think that I want awesome kids like them. While I probably won't have many (if any, considering I might not ever get married; shhh don't tell my mom she won't like hearing that...) biological kids, I have such a huge heart for adoption. There are so many amazing kids in this world who never get a chance, and I want to be a light for the few that I can help. My parenting skills might not be the greatest, but I can give them a home and be a person they can depend on.

Anyway, after the movie I was starving so I made ramen. :)

Picture # 203

And I can't believe I am posting this.... but here is a blooper. 

Hahaha this is so gross. But I couldn't stop laughing at it so I put it up. :P

A little Ghosty...

Hahaha I couldn't resist the title. I took my picture today through a window at night, so it came out with a cool effect. Maybe I could have gotten a bit more creative today... but I also had work and a music video shoot so I don't feel too guilty. I can't have every picture look as cool as my 200th! Though I really wish I had the time to...

Picture # 202

Here's a behind the scenes pic of the video I'm working on!

Anyway, I know it's late, but I just got invited over to a friends house to watch a movie, so I g2g! Till tomorrow!

Scaremare!

If you haven't heard of Scaremare, all you need to know is that it is fun, slightly scary, and quite a Jesus trip. I know several people who work it, but I have never gotten up the nerve to go before tonight. I used to get nightmares as a child when I watched scary movies, so even today my habit is to avoid anything scary. But when I walked through I pretty much had a big smile on my face the entire time! The only part where I really needed someone to be there was when we walked through this pitch black maze. I just didn't want to walk into something and hurt myself. Thankfully I had my friend Mike going through with me. He had never gone through either, and when we both found out that neither of us had gone, we knew we had to! Here is our excited faces!

Picture # 201

Highly recommend!

(North) Africa!

This song is still so inspiring even though the summer is long gone.

I've been thinking a lot about my summer recently. I am missing Egypt now a lot more than I did when I first got home. If I could go back, I would have done so many things differently. They say hind sight is 20/20, and in this case, it certainly is.

Anyway, to celebrate my 200th picture (Going all out much like my 100th), I decided to bring in my friend Katie who is a very talented painter to do something really different to my face. It took over an hour to complete but I love the end result. I ended up walking around my school for a little bit after it was done, and got some really funny reactions.

PICTURE # 200!!!!!

Here's a wide shot. (I'm mostly expressionless b/c the paint dried so tight it would crack if I smiled)

A picture with my amazing artist (To check out her blog, click on her name up top)!

Half-way through cleaning it all off. I had to use dish detergent to get off the blue and orange (Egypt was my Left eye) paint, since it was oil based and very resilient. I still have orange paint around my eye, it kind of looked like a heavy Orange eye liner. I might keep it for tomorrow, it might be fun. 

Till tomorrow! 

Tag blog!

Ok, I've been trying to post this for awhile, but somehow there was always a formatting error. Hopefully this time it works.
*Apparently there has been a game going around the blogging community where when tagged, you have to answer the questions. I was tagged by my friend Kelly, over at http://kellymdambrosio.blogspot.com/ (Go check out her blog, it's much better than mine).

Q & A time...
1. What is one thing you want to do in your lifetime?
-I'm actually working on my bucket list right now, but the first thing I thought of when reading this question was about how I really want to adopt. If you want something more weird one of the things on my list is to own an alpaca...in Peru. :)

2. What song is stuck in your head today?
-Recently I've mostly been humming Billionaire, but this song by Christina Perri pops up a lot too.

3. What book are you reading?
-I just finished the Esther Effect and am now reading through The Treasure Principle. I recommend both!

4. What animal would you most want to be like and why?
-Thee came to mind. I'd have to say a Tiger, a Dolphin, and a Panda Bear. Come on, who wouldn't want to be powerful, fun, and cuddly?!

5. What is my hidden talent?
- I guess being funny? My close girl friends think I'm really funny, but I can only make my close guy friends laugh by saying/doing stupid stuff. Which when I am doing them I don't mean to be funny....

And now I tag...
Carolynn B.
Ciera H.
Christen O.
Sarah W.

Questions:
1. What was an odd childhood fear growing up?
2. If you could pick two people (Past/present) to get stuck on a desert island with you, who would you choose and why?
3. What is your idea of a perfect date?
4. Would you be willing to eat a spider for a certain charity? Which charity?
5. What is the oddest sensation you have ever felt?

P.s, if I didn't tag you but you still want to fill out the questions, let me know!

Halloween party!!!

The marching band got together tonight for a fun costume party. I went as an Egyptian, so I got to wear my awesome dress I bought in Egypt again. :) I have four pictures to post tonight!

Picture # 199

Mostly sans makeup here. Just foundation and concealer. 

Step 1!

Step 2!

And.... Step 3! The final result.

And here is a picture from the party, I kind of took a break from the camera tonight, since I know I'll be tagged in plenty of pictures on facebook. But I had to get one with my friend Katie. She was awesome at helping to scare people in the haunted trail thing the band officers set up!

Her bloodied self looked so scary!

Blogger is being obnoxious!

Hopefully this one goes through, I've had a blog post done for the longest time, but blogger is not posting it! GRRRRRRR

Picture # 198

So it wasn't until after I had decided to go with this picture that I realized I should have waited to do this one until my #203 pic! Silly me, I'm such a bum. I did have a really awesome picture idea, but I needed a second person to help me with it and no one was around when the sun was out. It was sad. 

But tomorrow's will be awesome!

Had a Halloween Video shoot... Didn't take any pictures.

Even though the video shoot took way longer than I thought it ever would (The poor actors, they were so patient), I feel like it went really well. I'm super excited to see how everything turns out. Unfortunately, I was so busy concentrating on 100 things at once, that I wasn't able to take any behind the scenes stuff at all. This makes me very sad.

However, I did get some pictures of my costume before changing!

Picture #197

I wore the Galabia I bought in Egypt. :)

I also tried to walk like an egyptian, it didn't work. Here is my attempt! *Warning - Not edited

I have a really fun idea for tomorrow's picture, hopefully I follow through!

Long day.

Today I worked taking both pictures and video for my school's marching band. My university held a marching band competition with 13 bands, and my good friend Mason (from yesterday's post) needed a second shooter since he is the main photographer for the event. After every band I reformatted my camera so it was easier to label the bands on the computer but unfortunately this means that 95% of the pictures I took today are not in my possession. However, after the competition was over I took a few fun pictures of my band goofing off on the sidelines and then ran into two really good friends who let me take a self-portrait with them.

Picture # 196

Here is a fun colorguard picture!

Fun day = BIG post!

Today, was a beautiful day. I got started on an extra credit project, I ran camera a lot for my friend's music video, and I got to shoot engagement pictures for two good friends of mine! Seriously, if I could just stop going to classes and just fill my days with video and photo shoots, that would be amazing. I'm praying that I can actually do this for a legit career. One day. :)

#195

Self portrait with this amazing couple! We made it all the way together, through Marching band, Biology 101, and Digital Photography class!

So... here is a small preview!

And during the video shoot earlier I handed off my still camera to my friend Dan who I think got a little camera crazy. Here is one of my favorite shots!

Yeah that's right, we know we cool. 

A random picture I took of our production pics guy when he was giving suggestions. Haha love it! My friends are so ridiculous. Ridiculous and AWESOME!!!

Inspiration

Today, I went out to shoot my picture and I was completely uninspired. No ideas were coming in, nothing was going my way. But I went out and shot anyway. The first location was eh... but I was really able to pick it up for the second location. God's been teaching me these past few days that even when you are down, and things aren't going your way, that if you still make the effort to live for Him, you will be surprised, and life will eventually turn back around. It's awesome.

First location....

Second location!

Picture # 194

Way more dramatic! And I absolutely loved the light against the brick. :)

Up and Down

This week I have been SO up and down. I can't quite put my finger on why, so it's probably a mixture of things. And it is a full moon, so maybe that has something to do with it too. But tonight has definitely ended on a high note, even though my picture doesn't quite show it.

Picture # 193

Yes, we have a pumpkin as the centerpiece on the dining room table at my apartment. What of it? 

I'm so tired. Again.

Blah! I was hit with some insomnia last night again. I maybe got about two hours of sleep? And while my attitude was surprisingly chipper my focus was completely gone. I do have ADD and getting anything accomplished throughout the day other than what I absolutely needed to was nearly impossible. I'm definitely sleeping in as much as possible tomorrow. Anyhoo, I'm posting three pictures today since I feel so guilty about skipping yesterday.

Picture # 191

This is actually a picture I took when my computer was down and I ended up skipping putting up posts for a whole bunch of days. I am wearing an awesome dress I got in Egypt. :)

Now for two from today!

Picture # 192

Picture # 192 b

I couldn't pick between the two because for (a) I did a much better job on framing and stuff, but for (b), I absolutely love b/c it just seems so much more raw and different. But sadly, I accidentally cut off my head. So you decide. :)

Skip day...

Ending up skipping today, I'm blaming a headache. I'll try to do two tomorrow.

Awww snap!

Man I thought I had gone ahead and posted my picture for the day... only to realize midnight had gone by and I hadn't. I fail. I've been failing a lot today. Not life or death, but I have been late for every single thing I was supposed to do today. I got up late, left my house late, took my test late, got to dinner late, and pick up my friend from the train station late. It was awful and I hated it. I can't even explain how I got so off today, but I did. I really hope I don't have this same type of lateness issue tomorrow. I have a paper due.

Picture # 190

Today's was nothing spectacular. I really didn't go out of my way. Which is sad, because I love being creative for this project, but sometimes I just can't do it all. 

Eastern Shore Day!

If you have never heard of Tilghman Island, look it up. It's a beautiful spot in MD, and I got to spend a good portion of my day there. I spent a good portion of my day around the local water, and it was so beautiful! Unfortunately I didn't take any self portraits while I was out and about (didn't want to risk anything), but I did when I got home and I had my friend who is visiting take some pictures for me.

Picture # 189

Ok, now onto the water picture!

Freedom!

And... one more for good measure. 

LOVE my state.

My secret river...

I love being home. Seriously, it's so chill right now. And I got to sit down to a nice family dinner where I ate some of my absolute favorite food. And earlier today my mom, a friend from school, and I went down to Annapolis, where we walked downtown and grabbed some lunch. I got to see a part of Maryland that I don't typically see, and showed my friend (from Texas) how awesome MD can be! Unfortunately... I didn't take any pictures down there. It was threatening to rain the entire time. So I ending up taking my picture in my house, shooting down the stairwell. It was pretty boring, so I was trying to fool around in photoshop, when my friend decided to help me out. 

Picture # 188

I'm swimming in my own house! How cool!!!!

It's not perfect, but I learned a lot from watching him create this!

Accidentally Home

So I get a phone call last night from one of my best friends. We live in the same area and she was thinking about driving home. I had already planned to stay in my apartment the entire weekend, so I said no. She was fine with this. But then this morning, she calls me at 8:20 am.
"Beth, I'm going home. You want to go?"
Sleepily, I give a definite "NO." And promptly lay my head back down.
But within five minutes, I start thinking of what I need to do at home. Within ten, I text her asking if she can bring something to my family. She texts back, "Just come woman!"
And so... I went. And made it just in time for my nephew's 12th birthday party!

Picture # 187

We had fun. But now I have to find someone to replace me for work... and I'm not sure who is staying in Lynchburg who would be able to work a small, easy job from roughly 6:30 to 9:30. :(

Friends!

Friends are so much fun. Seriously, when you have good friends, they can be so encouraging. I got to spend a lot of time tonight with some of the good ones. That's actually why I am so late on posting this picture, is because I was just two buildings over hanging out with some peeps and playing board games. And the picture from today was taken at dinner, where I went out with some of my favorite girls. Often I skip out on these events due to homework or video projects, but it's times like these when I realize just how important it is to reach out and be a part of a living and loving community.
*And this is straight out of the camera, no editing or anything.

Picture # 186

My girls were so nice they didn't mind when I moved things out of the middle of the table and set up my bag so I could securely place the camera on top of it. Sweetness!

Hug a Beth Day!

So... last night was a rough night. Emotions were at an all-time high and I was stressed. But today, the clouds parted and life was good again. After I completed my Physics exam. :P And right after my Physics exam I hopped onto facebook and saw that my little sister had created a facebook event just for me because she knew I was going through a rough time. It was perfect. I didn't get very many hugs, since most of the people who clicked attending do not attend my school, lol. But I definitely appreciated everything! I got some great encouraging messages. :)

Anyway, today I started test shooting for an upcoming self-portrait as well as a photo shoot for a friend who wants to be an actor. I'm trying to build my portfolio and he needs head shots so it works out pretty well. But I want to do a good studio job so I need to find the best background to get the best look for him. Next time I try studio lighting it'll be a much darker background.

First shot out of the camera... 

Picture # 185

I also really like this one. Though my hair looks so blonde in this picture it's ridiculous. I don't want to use chemicals to get rid of it, but I seriously miss my all dark hair. Maybe I'll track down some Henna or something. And it needs to be soon! 

  

Much more productive today!

I actually got a decent amount done, and I dressed up today to help motivate myself!

Though right now I am feeling a MAJOR crunch, as I have two tests tomorrow and I don't understand nearly any of the material for one. We shall see if I pass the class or not. There is still a chance I can pass, but if I fail... well I'll just have to take it again next semester. But that one I will have to absolutely pass so I can get my degree. I must have that piece of paper!!!

Anyway, I went outside for this one. Rocking out in my green blazer, navy dress, and red high heels. I got several comments today about my style, a few that I looked like Christmas, a few that I reminded them of a leprechaun, and one said I looked very elfish. I also got some really nice compliments too, which made the day quite fun.

*Hair by Grace!

Picture # 184

 Truth is my rock. :) And my location today was surprisingly comfortable. I didn't have any problems sitting on there at all.

Lazy Sunday

I did absolutely nothing today, and it was glorious. I meant to do several things, like work on a lot of homework and see my friend Kelly perform in her play. So while I didn't get much accomplished today, my body caught up on some relaxation and hopefully I will avoid burnout. One day is fine, but if I have another day like today I'll get into some serious trouble.

Here is a picture of me and my lazy day.

Picture # 183

 Here is another picture showing that I just did not care today! No make-up, glasses on. Rare does this happen, but when it does, I go all out!

And this might be a weird thing to point out, but the lighting I'm in makes my hair look way lighter than it actually is. Though in Egypt I was told that they considered me a blonde, so I guess this works. 

What a day...

Today was a crazy long day. I work for my school's marching band and we had three performances today, and I had to be at all of them. My legs are really feeling the burn from all the steps I walked up and down (several times) today. But it was good, I got to see plenty of friends, the football team won, and I got in some great exercise.
However, today was also a confusing day and an emotional one. Probably most of it is due to my lack of sleep and crazy activity going on, but my day kind of ended flat (hardy har har, music geek right here). Hence, my picture today is hazy, breaking rules, and I am looking away from the camera because right now I can't see my future. And typically that hasn't worried me one bit, but now it is starting to get to me. And it is not fun.

Picture # 182

On the bright side, God is still so good and I have started to plan out something really special for my 200th picture!

This may be a bit sketch...

I sometimes work on Friday nights. It's for a local news station, and it's pretty sweet. It's a good job, but after I get off of work my car is the only one left in the parking lot. And this is DOWNTOWN, where it isn't the safest. But I'm not that worried. For one thing, I know where I am headed when I die, so what's the point of stressing out about it? The pain is going to be the worst part of it, but not the actual death part. Anyway, I always park in the middle, so I would see people coming from pretty far away, and hopefully would have time to get inside my car and drive off.

Here is my sketch-looking picture in the sketch-looking lot!

Picture # 181

Yes, totally Sketch. But it got me out of my usual environment and the film noir kind of look is always fun for me!

Video projects!

I had a meeting today with some friends about a future video project. It seems that I will have several that I will be working on soon and I am unbelievably excited. I wish I could reveal more about them, but all of these projects are going to be slow going. I'll post links when they are done! Anyway, here are a few pictures of two of my awesome friends!

Picture # 180

The next three pictures were just too funny, I had to put them up!

I believe... that Kyle is just figuring out that he can actually do something different in between the self-timer clicks. And Stacy has a very evil plot she is about to employ.

 Kyle slightly moving... Stacy making contact

 Last picture = BWAHAHAHAHAHA 

This pretty much makes my life....