Record Store Day! It's like a holiday in this town (another reason why I love it so much here). I stopped by The Electric Fetus on my way to a photo convention this morning, and it made me so happy to see the crowds and the love of music and these fabulous independent stores. Seriously -- this is a wonderful day. Then I went on to my conference (a whole day devoted to flash and the use of artificial light), where I learned a ton.Then later tonight we headed over to the Kitty Cat Klub to catch the CD release party for We Became Actors. I really wanted one of those shots to be my daily photo, but that damn club is sooo dark that nothing turned out as sharp as I would have liked. You can see the photos over here, if you like. Talk about temptation -- a full day spent on learning how to light things only to go shoot a show in pitch black where flashes are not allowed. Bah.

Tonight we met up with Eric and Betz for dinner at Tilia. Yes I just ate here last week. And yes I'm eating here again next week. I really, really like it (obviously). So what can I do but introduce everyone I love to my newest find?Anyway, it was really fun to see these two (as it always is), but especially because Betz is due in TWELVE DAYS. Crazy, right? She's handling it pretty well. I think I would be freaking out more, but these two are all blissed out and excited, and I'm so happy for them. So we had an amazing meal and caught up, and then Jamie brought me back home. On a Friday night. Yes, there are a gazillion fun things going on around town (Voltage! Wits! Midnight screening of Rear Window! Film Festival!) but my cough is nagging at me and my family from every direction is telling me that it's because I don't get enough rest. So here I am. At home. Resting. PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Today was my last day of working full time at the Star Tribune. Hell to the yeah. I will still be working a minimum of 24 hours a week there, both on vita.mn and a little on the Star Tribune, so don't worry -- I'm still keeping the all the work that I hold dear to me.So I ended the work day by meeting up with my buddy Alice for drinks, and she brought me this gift from Paris. Yes. From Paris. You know what? If I would have opened up this lovely package to find a stick of gum, I would have been thrilled. But even better? It was a cool display for my photographs! And speaking of that...What will I be doing with my extra 16 hours each week? Working on my photo business! I'm super excited to have the extra hours to devote to photography, and this month is a great time to start this schedule as I have an all-day lighting workshop, several smaller client shoots, and I end the month photographing a wedding in Mexico (again, HELL YEAH). So if you need any family/pets/occasions photographed, please think of me. And spread the word to your friends and family, eh? My husband and his love of financials will thank you (and I do, too).

Man, what a day. I was at work for just under twelve hours, but at least I got a lot done. I shot this photo as I was walking to my car (leaving when it's this dark out in the spring is not ideal, btw). But at least the snow was gone and I didn't have to wear a coat! Look at me, finding the bright side.We also found out today that Jamie's parents' dog, Krispy, who was rescued the weekend of our wedding many years ago, has cancer. So everybody go and hug your dog and give him/her extra kisses and let them snuggle a little more today. I hate it that dog lives go so fast.

Today was the first day that the ice was completely melted off of the lakes. It's spring, y'all!I stopped by Lake Harriet on my way to work so I could shoot photos of the ducks and loons out on the water. It was so still and lovely out there -- and look at how the sun reflected off that water. I should really start every morning like that. :)

What a Monday! I designed a gazillion pages (OK, only 20 -- but it felt like a gazillion) and then came home to take the dogs for a long walk and unwind in the daylight! Yes! Daylight! At 7:30! Man, I love that. I also grabbed my camera to see if I could spot some signs of spring, and these buds are what you get.Our garden that we planted last summer is slowly coming back to life as well, which is exciting. I'm sure you'll get photos of that later on. This week is much more relaxing on the social calendar which means fewer rock'n'roll shots for you guys, but at least you'll have a well-rested photographer, eh? Yeah. Maybe you aren't as excited about that as I am.

This was just the weekend I needed. I got a ton of sleep, fit in some yoga, ate some amazing food and managed to clean and organize huge chunks of the house. There is no better way to start a Monday than with a clean house and fresh sheets on the bed. Well, maybe on vacation... but I'm talking a "regular" Monday here.My big project over the last two days was to re-do my basement, creating a better photo studio space so that I'm more equipped for clients who want dog portraits (HINT, HINT). To do this, we moved almost all the furniture from one room of the basement into another and vice versa. In doing so, we found a ton of dust and a ton of things that we no longer need as well as a ton of trash. Like this old wrapping paper tube that quickly became Memphis' prized possession for at least a few hours. I love it that she can be so entertained for so little money.

Aw man, today was awesome. I slept in, had lunch and a yoga class with Julie, got a little work done around the house and then had date night with my man. We tried another new restaurant in our neighborhood called Tilia. You guys? IT WAS SO GOOD. First off, the decor and atmosphere is awesome. And the bar! The bar! Amazing beer list, super friendly bartender (with an accent!), and Framboise on tap. Yeah, I was a very happy girl.Then? Then we were seated and had a fantastic waitress, saw the mayor of Minneapolis dining nearby (Hey-oh R.T.) and then the food started coming. We opted to try a variety of small plates, and they were all great. But the best? I think it goes to these hot dogs. They are Kobe hot dogs with fresh tomato, dill-pickled cauliflower, bacon, red pepper, mustard and a touch of horseradish. OMG, and two for $10. Amaaaaaaazing. (You can see my man chowing down on one here). And you know what else was good? Besides the fries? And the Brussels sprouts? The dessert. Try pear-spice bundtcake with orange-cardamom glaze frosting. Wow.After the amazing meal, we caught Source Code, the new Jake Gyllenhaal movie. The film was super good until the last ten minutes or so. Yeah. Just leave right before the end, and you'll be pretty happy :). And now there's a big thunderstorm outside and I have a new book to read. What a perfect Saturday.