The Dark Side

Per usual, I was spoiled at Christmas.  When you grow up in a family where money really does grow on trees – Christmas Trees – December 25 was the time of plenty.  Santa didn’t hold back.  We existed on “Austerity Budget” for the other 11 months of the year, being forced to decide between “a drink or dessert” on the rare (2x/year?  Maybe?) occasion that we did go out to eat, and only getting to eat the coveted individually-wrapped string cheese when we were packing meals – individually wrapped items were a luxury reserved for travels outside the house.  But come Christmas morning, we were lavished with gifts, more than making up for the frugality of the rest of the year.

Of course, my parents have inadvertently created a Christmas monster, and now in adulthood none of us hold back.  ‘Tis the season! 

So I’m celebrating a rockin’ new fancy-schmancy camera that I have no idea how to use, but have resolved NEVER to use the “auto” setting, forcing myself to figure it out.  I have a lot of blurry Christmas shots, but a few gems:

We is a lot easier to photograph than Austin – he doesn’t move quite as fast.  Yet.

Now, if you think about it, a [toy] chainsaw is a much more functional/practical toy than a gun.  And at least he is wearing his goggles.  Safety first!

I consider this the greatest casualty of my stubborn decision not to ever use auto.  Imagine with me that this shot is clear, and adorable.  And, believe it or not, that is my mom with the boys. Not me.  Even I get confused.

As if the camera weren’t enough, we have officially crossed over to the dark side.  I now drive a mom van:

(not my photo)

It is sort of cool looking, right?  And, as predicted, I love it.  If I ignore what exactly the “it” is.  Functional and spacey…and who can argue with sliding doors when you have a tight garage?

You’re jealous, admit it…

Advertisement