So … what’s next?

Now that I am a college graduate, my life as I knew it and the photo project that my blog revolved around have come to an end.  This brings up the question, what’s next?  What am I doing with my life?  Your guess is as good as mine at this point.  Please let me know if you have some answers for me (or a job offer *wink, wink*).  What am I doing with this blog?  Many bigger and brighter things!  Some ideas so far include: trick training tutorial videos; tips for solving problem behavior; dog-friendly outdoor adventure reviews (such as hikes and campsites); our tales of training and competing in dog sports; and new journeys in cooking (I’m trying to expand my current menu for both the humans and canines of the family).  And of course, there will be many photos and videos along the way, especially now that my equipment has undergone a major upgrade!

So, what do you think?  Do any of these topics stick out to you?  Anything you’d like to see that I didn’t mention?

And one photo today taken with the new DSLR (click on the photo to view the higher-quality version) — this photo is straight from the camera, no post-processing.  Check back tomorrow for a big post of the initial results with the new toy 🙂

Bailey the photogenic pup.

The Great Graduation Post

Can you guess which one is me? Justin?

Graduation was great!  It was something that I had always looked forward to and it definitely lived up to my expectations.  On Friday (5/13/11) we had the university commencement ceremony at Lane Stadium, the Hokies’ football stadium.  The feeling of walking on that beloved football field as a soon-to-be graduate felt absolutely awesome.  Unfortunately the ceremony itself was greatly condensed due to severe thunderstorms – it actually started pouring during the commencement speech.  But, I guess no one will ever forget our graduation and how everyone, students and audience members alike, rushed out of their seats to take cover from the storm.  My family and I celebrated after the university ceremony with dinner at “El Gran Rodeo” in Christiansburg, one of our favorite local Mexican restaurants.  The next morning (5/14/11) was my college commencement ceremony where I actually received my diploma.  A speech was given by a 2003 VT grad and she really gave me a glimpse into what the future can hold for me.  After this ceremony, we took a zillion family pictures all over campus (as did every other graduate).  We celebrated again with lunch at “The Great 611 Steak Company” in Roanoke which had to-die-for baked potatoes and surprisingly good steaks.  And then later that day, Justin and I celebrated with close friends and fellow graduates.  All in all, it was a wonderful graduation!  Next up, learning how to be a grown-up.  🙂

Justin modeling my graduation cap. Special thanks to my extraordinary parents for their unwavering support throughout my 4-years of college!

Normally I watch instant-replays on this jumbotron, but today it featured our commencement speaker. Can you see the sky of doom in the background?

Justin and me in front of Torgersen Bridge on ALUMNI Mall.

Officially a Hokie alumnus :)

Congrats Balloons from my Sisters!

It’s official – I am a proud Virginia Tech graduate!!!  😀  I’m getting ready to go celebrate with friends but I wanted to say a quick “hello” before I head out (apparently I miss blogging too much!).  Tomorrow’s post will include more details and many pictures.  One big detail that I’ll spill tonight – Justin’s parents gave Justin and me a DSLR camera and a HD video camera for graduation presents (thank you!!!).  So, I’m very excited to say that you should look forward to better pictures and better videos on here in the very near future.  Well, that’s it for now.  Thank you to all of my blogging friends for your words of encouragement, support, advice, wisdom, well-wishes, what have you during the past several weeks.  I truly appreciate it and I honestly thought of you all during the graduation ceremony. 🙂

1 Day: Tomorrow!!??

Bailey the Hokie Fan

My graduation?  It’s tomorrow!!!  Less than 24 hours from now, I will be a proud Virginia Tech graduate.  I can’t believe it!  😀