friday five :: the best of a new year :: greensboro wedding photographer

I knew the weather was supposed to get bad this afternoon, so I woke up this morning ready to get things done so that I could go to the post office and mail packages to some clients before the wintery mess began. I put on my heavy duty snow boots bought out of necessity when we lived in Erie, PA, threw on my ski jacket, and prepared to beat the snow and ice. Then, as my car warmed up in the garage, I decided to walk down to the mailbox and nearly died a cold, frozen death on my driveway that was now a solid sheet of ice. So much for Friday errands.

Thankfully, the forced time at home inspired me to write this post about some of the fun experiences and opportunities I've had so far this year. So this week's Friday Five is dedicated to just downright good things about January.

1. On Birthdays: I celebrated another birthday just a couple of weeks ago, and while it was super low-key, I couldn't have asked for anything better. Josh had class after work on the actual day, so we spent the whole weekend celebrating. We had dinner out with friends that Friday, Josh made red velvet cupcakes (and he even bought the Sprinkles brand mix... it's the next best thing to the real Sprinkles) on Saturday while I was gone for the day, and he fixed a real gourmet meal on Sunday, plus I got lots of beautiful messages, phone calls, and thoughtful gifts from so many friends and family. The whole day made me incredibly grateful for the people I have in my life these days and the things I've been able to accomplish over the past year, and I'm so excited for what this year holds in store!

2. On Dogs: Toward the end of last week, we got about two inches of snow here in NC, and boy, did Monty go CRAZY! This dog absolutely loves cold weather and everything that goes along with it, and while he usually isn't a big fan of fetching a ball, it was apparently really exciting in the snow. Josh took this video on his phone of our cute little Scottie fetching for about the 300th time that morning (please ignore by voice in the background... is that really what I sound like, people?)

3. On Fitness: A couple of weeks ago, in an effort to get healthy and try something new, I started taking a Bikram Yoga class (better known as hot yoga). Let's just say I have a real love/hate relationship with it. I feel like I'm going to legitimately pass out during nearly every class (who wouldn't trying to exercise in a 105 degree room?), but it really does have me feeling great, and I'm already seeing the health benefits of the class. I'm hoping that soon, the love will outweigh the hate.

4. On Books: Finally, after reading it for the longest time, I finished The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. I have a bad habit of starting multiple books at once - one fiction, one self-improvement or other non-fiction, and one business - which means that it usually will take me forever to finish any of them. This book was definitely worth the read. While I'm not sure if I'll actually start my own full-fledged project, I've already applied alot of the concepts from the book to bring more joy to my day-to-day life.

5. On Learning: Last Wednesday, I had an amazing opportunity to go to the What's Next Tour in Charlotte put on by Justin and Mary Marantz. I got the chance to meet alot of really wonderful folks, and everything about the workshop was just what I needed to push forward through a bit of a funk and move my life and my business in the right direction. One of my favorite takeaways from the event was this: "Stop thinking of your dreams as opportunities, but instead as obligations". That one really hit home for me ... no more excuses!

 

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What have been some of the highlights of 2013 for you so far?

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chicago vacation :: chicago event photographer

First, let me apologize for my absence from my blog. I pledged to be better about blogging, and well, I just haven't. I've been playing catch up after my trip to Chicago last week to see my sweet friend Miranda. And now that I've finally uploaded my photos, I just had to share them with y'all!

I had such a wonderful time in Chicago (which is definitely one of my favorite cities), and spending it with Miranda (and her adorable Scottish terrier Darcy) just made it all the better. We did lots of sightseeing, visited the Art Institute (sooo good), and did wayyyyyy too much shopping. Way. too. much. All in freezing temperatures. Who cares if you lose a limb to frostbite if you get a good deal on clothes, right?!

So here's a little recap of my trip... errr, the first day of my trip. Honestly, the D700 was just too heavy to tote around all day every day, so I resorted to using my iPhone and my 35mm for the rest of the vacay. Hopefully, once I get them developed, you'll be seeing some of those too!

Miranda Meadows wheaton Scottish Terrier Darcy by Glessner Photography

Who couldn't love a face like that? People who think that any other dog is better than a Scotty are just fooling themselves :)

Miranda Meadows under the bean in Chicago by Glessner Photography

Miranda Meadows and Elizabeth Glessner at the bean in Chicago by Glessner Photography

sign outside of Giordanos stuffed pizza in Chicago by Glessner Photography

Gotta love some Chicago deep dish pizza... yummm.

dome inside the Chicago Public Library by Glessner Photography

The Chicago Library is a beautiful place to visit... and definitely had some weird interesting art exhibits, such as this piece featuring parking tickets. Lots of parking tickets.

parking ticket art installment at the Chicago Public Library with photo by Glessner Photography

sprinkles cupcakes in Chicago by Glessner Photography

Sprinkles may be my new favorite place and if you live anywhere near one, you must find. it. now. I'm not even gonna lie to you folks... the two of us may have eaten six cupcakes in three days. Don't judge.

sprinkles cupcakes in Chicago by Glessner Photography

Miranda Meadows in Chicago by Glessner Photography

Beautiful friend. Be sure to wish her a happy belated birthday below... she's a Valentine's baby!

Chicago skyline at night with the bean by Glessner Photography

If you're planning a wedding in Chicago, be sure to contact us... We love to travel!