8: Emily's 529

We are officially saving for Emily's college education. We opened her account with Fidelity and hopefully it will grow at a good rate, even during the downturn!

529 plans are flexible, tax-advantaged accounts designed specifically for
college savings. They are offered by individual states, often in
partnership with the financial services companies who manage the plans.

40: Bootcamp!

I took the plunge and joined an early morning bootcamp. I started on Monday moring, 5:30 a.m., three days a week for five weeks. I am so out of shape and that was evident by the other campers wizzing past me. That is okay with me though, because I can only get better at this point. Also, I haven't been this sore in ages!

17. Taking an Informal Class

Today I start my first informal class at UT. I have enrolled in a Photography class in order to better use my DSLR Nikon D80. I haven't been in school in over six years, so the class room setting is pretty exciting. I think that I will even sit in the front row!

65. Watch a Movie at Alamo Drafthouse

To celebrate our Independence, we decided to go see Willie Nelson's Fourth of July Celebration at the Alamo Drafthouse Ritz. The film was recorded in 1974, but not released until 1979 (the greatest year ever). Nothing like drinking a cold, frothy beer and watching Willie Nelson and friends celebrate our freedom.

20: Snorkling

While we were in Playa, we caught a ferry over to Cozumel and went snorkling. It was about a 30 minute boat ride to the south side of the island. The water was so beautiful. A combination of sparkling jade, crystal blue and dark blue. The fish were amazing, barracuda, parrot fish, angel fish, sting rays, star fish and even two sea turtles!

21: Vacation

We just got back from our trip to Playa del Carmen. It was awesome! We took the new non-stop flight from Austin to Cancun, hitched a ride (with a couple from Austin) down to Playa and we were on the beach by 2 p.m. We stayed at the #1 rated botique hotel in town, Hotel La Tortuga and we couldn't have asked for anything more. No kids, dogs or work, just sunny Playa!

73: Photograhpy & Lightroom

I have been taking photos. Lots of photos. Now that I have so many, I need to render them. I just downloaded Adobe Lightroom and have started playing around, trying to get a grip on it. These are some of my favorites: favorite subjects and styles!