Ahhhh new camera! THANK YOU SO MUCH PARENTS!
Originally uploaded by alex.priest

So not only are my parents hella cool anyway, but they surprised me with THIS for my birthday, a Nikon D3000!

Although the snow did cause a little bit of delay (well, a week), it was totally worth it. Although we’d talked about it before, my plan had simply been to wait and get a nice DSLR for myself in a year or two once I’d saved up the money for it. Well, evidently they decided this was a good deal now.

I’m thrilled! I’ve really been wanting to get more into photography and always felt a little limited by technology (although I have to admit, I kind of like this photo, despite the fact that I took it with my iPhone!). This little camera just has some fantastic technology behind it that should let me be a lot more creative and get some great shots–hopefully! It’s not quite the fanciest one out there, but God knows it’s already more than I know what to do with and it’s perfect for what I want to do! And who knows, a couple years down the road (once I’m an expert ::wink::) maybe I’ll splurge for a super-duper one.

I’ve already killed a lot of time tonight playing with it, but as soon as the stresses of school calm down a bit (hell, only a few weeks ’til Spring Break!) I’m really looking forward to reading up on some photography stuff and starting to practice. Rest assured, I’ll be sharing my photos here, on my Flickr account, and naturally, via Twitter.

Luckily, I already know of at least four really amazing photographers–all super-nice. Here’s hoping they’ll be kind enough to give me some tips and advice along the way!

Anyway, back to my point… my parents are awesome. Thanks so much to both of them for being the best parents a kid could ask for. Not just for the presents, but for all the help, support, and motivation along the way so far in my life. Miss you both!

So, yes, today is my birthday! I can hardly contain myself. One person had congratulated me on passing the last birthday with a real advancement in privileges–I suppose he’s pretty well right. It’s pretty exciting.

Because it’s my birthday, they canceled class today. Ha, ok, ok, well they canceled class because of the snow. But I’m allowed to think they canceled just for me because, well, it is my birthday.

But in all seriousness, just wanted to offer a quick thanks to everyone for the great birthday wishes, both on Twitter and on Facebook. They really do mean a lot, and I’m lucky to have such good friends out there, both in real life and those of you I only know through Twitter!

I do my best to respond to each and every one because, well, what better time than a birthday to make a digital friendship a little more personal? Plus, it’s a snow day and I’ve got plenty of time to do it. So if I don’t give you a shout out, a thanks, or write back in some form or fashion, give me a holler and make sure I do!

Thanks again all, and I hope you have a wonderful day! For those of you here in the northeast, be safe in the snow and enjoy snopocalypse number three!