Two weeks of fun and "firsts"!

The last 2 weeks have been full of fun and firsts, even if a bit frantic. I started a new job (first day) and photographed a dear friend's daughter's first birthday, JSM survived the SNL skit that was his office costume contest (that's a first!), we pulled off the church lasagna lunch this last weekend (okay that's the second time), and we are making final preparations for our (first) trip to Africa.

First things first: Scarlett turned one! Scarlett belongs to my friend, HN, who I love, and I was thrilled when she asked me to photograph baby's birthday bash!

Happy birthday, baby girl!

A food cart in the backyard!!

A ceiling full of balloons make everyone happy!

What a spread....

Most beautiful cake!

Yes, that's pie crust in the sandwich on the right :) Pumpkin pie peanut butter sandwich - yum!!

HN and I

HN and Martha - we love Martha!! 

My new office: The Battle Ground Community Library      The Columbian

I was recently promoted to Battle Ground Community Librarian. In other words, I'm the branch manager.  I use the term promoted, but the truth is I had to interview with 20 people and do a public speaking engagement in front of another 40 members of the community in order to land the job. And I am so grateful for this opportunity! Battle Ground is my "home" library and I'm thrilled to have a chance to serve the community I live in. The staff is wonderful and I'm enjoying every minute of it. I was even able to help my neighbor at the reference desk last week! I'm amazed at the number of people who come in to the library to meet me - I love that this community is so vested in their local library! 

On the subject of libraries I read a wonderful quote the other day in a book titled A Little Guide to your Well-Read Life by Steve Leveen (founder of Levenger.) A PSA for all libraries: "A library is a fueling station for your mind. And while there is much to be gained simply by browsing in a library, there is even more to be gained by talking to the librarian." This is so true. Don't be afraid of the reference desk, people! We have much to offer and we are happy to help! (I speak for all libraries, not just mine!) 

The "Jeffs"

While I spent Halloween day doling out answers and candy JSM was participating in his own version of an SNL skit at the corporate headquarters of a national pizza chain. The intern decided to dress up as JSM for Halloween!!! When JSM arrived to work, MC, the intern, was sitting in his chair. How funny, and clever, I might add. He pulled off the sweater, glasses, stance, and cuffs perfectly, don't you think? As they say insult is the highest form of flattery! I think JSM's pretty great, too :) See below....

Later that night we gave out all of our favorite candy for trick-or-treat in the neighborhood!

He has a big heart! He was basically responsible for feeding the entire congregation last weekend and pulled off a major feat when there were no veggie lasagnas to be had in all of Vancouver. Thanks, JSM! 

The clock is ticking on our preparations for our first trip to Africa. Apartment in Cape Town: rented, rental car: booked, Dave Matthews tickets: purchased, Addo Elephant park side trip: reserved, a surprise for JSM: arranged, photographer for portraits: hired, disease prevention: vaccinated. 

Typhoid for breakfast? Disgusted! But those are the directions....every other day for 5 days. Apparently, I'll do anything for 12 days at the end of the world! When this is all done there will be South African wine :) And that will be a first for me!

XOXO