It's a helluva start, being able to recognize what makes you happy

I tend to dwell on the things in life that I don't like. I don't like living in Las Vegas, I don't like not having a job, I don't like that I never finished school - on, and on, and on. There comes a time when even I am sick of my own attitude- and I hate to imagine what the people around me must feel!

Every now and then, though, my kids remind me that there is so much in life to be happy about. Yesterday they had so much fun painting, that today I decided to think of something else fun to do with them. I decided on an outdoor photo shoot- for several reasons. One- they love to play outside. Two- I love to take pictures. Three- we haven't had "portraits" done since December. So I got the kids dressed and we traipsed outside to enjoy the sunshine for a little while.

I'd say that photography is pretty much my only hobby- although recently I acquired photoshop, so picture editing has been fun to learn as well. Sometimes I daydream about pursuing photography as more than just a hobby- but it's hard to justify taking pictures when I am still paying for an (incomplete) paralegal degree! So for now it's just something I enjoy when my kids are willing to be subjects.

They were, surprisingly, very cooperative today. I think because they got to be outside for it. The sun was shining, some flowers blooming, and they were able to explore an area they normally don't play in. The Boy is my best portrait subject- he'll sit still where ever I ask and smile- although his forced smiles are sometimes more comical than beautiful. It usually takes teasing him to get him to relax enough for me to see the real him.

The Girl is more of a challenge- she hasn't been still since the day she first learned to crawl. But it's fun to try and capture her in the moments that make her who she is- on the move, exploring, curious, and thoroughly in love with life.

Today was just a good day- for them, and for me. It was nice to step back and stop stressing out about business law, paying the bills, finding a job, etc... and just play in the sun for awhile. It was nice to finally be able to recognize what makes me happy- and to spend one spectacular afternoon running around outside with them.