How Do You Spell Relief? D-O-O-C-E-D.

The more I think about it, the more relieved I am that Ted's mom hired a professional photographer for Lauren's wedding. If I had to be the primary photographer, I would've obsessed over the details so much that I would've given myself a brain aneurysm. Now, I can relax a little and maybe even have some fun.

Yeah, I was hoping to find out if I have what it takes to shoot a big event, but quite frankly, I'd rather not experiment on my sister-in-law's wedding.

Dooced.

It's true. I've been dooced. Now, now, don't worry. I haven't lost my PAYING job cuz of this blog YET. I did, however, get politely let-go as the primary photographer for Ted's sister's wedding. Apparently, Ted's mom hired a professional photographer. While I don't think it's because she read about my anxiety regarding the gig on my blog, I can't help thinking that my writing that post somehow released to the universe the knowledge that I am in fact nervous about photographing a once-in-a-lifetime event, and the powers-that-be somehow got wind of it.

Lauren and Doug still want me to take some photos, just not as the primary photographer. That's okay, I guess. But I know from experience that if there's a professtional in the house, I get all intimidated and I don't pull out my camera as often or at all. I think I feel like if there's someone there getting paid to take professional photos, it would be presumptious on my part to think I could take any photos that would be worth shooting beyond what the pro captures. The exception to this was Caleb and Kathy's wedding, where I did shoot quite a few photos, but I think that was out of blissful ignorance of my own shortcomings.

I have to admit I'm relieved that I don't have to worry about missing important moments such as The Kiss any more. That's the pro's job, in my opinion. I WAS gonna tell Doug to make it an extra long kiss to give me a better chance of getting the shot, but now I guess it doesn't matter. Heck, now that I think about it, I'm relieved that there WILL be someone there who knows what they're doing. That frees me up to take my artsy-fartsy photos which I'm sure the parents wouldn't appreciate. Now all the pressure's on the pro, and if all my shots come out crappy, which is a distinct possibility considering my lack of experience and equipment, then thank goodness they hired someone else.

Still, I can't help feeling a little stupid for running out and buying that D50. Oh well. I guess I do need that camera for my 50mm lens. I'm just glad I found out before I spent our savings on extra batteries, memory cards, expensive post-processing software and a new laptop to support said new software. I had planned on telling Ted it was about time we got new computer equipment, but now that I don't have this wedding to worry about, I suddenly don't feel all that anxious about it. That'll save us at least $1,200. When Ted hears that, I'm sure he'll be thrilled I got the boot from this gig.

Tell Another Joke At the Ol' Choppin' Block

We had our first chance to taste the fruits of our labor this weekend with the first delivery through our CSA, Scotch Hill Farm. Oh, the yumminess! It really DOES make a difference to eat produce that's been locally grown and freshly picked.

And just in time for our first CSA delivery, I took a knife skills class with Dave and Becki at The Chopping Block Cooking School in Lincoln Square. It's no secret that I am a disaster in the kitchen and in need of some serious help. I can't tell you what a source of shame and embarrassment this is for me, considering Ted comes from a family that has some mad kitchen skillz. One of the things we want to do w/ our CSA delivery (which we're sharing w/ Dave and Becki) is to cook a meal together regularly with our goods. Sort of like Slowfood, I guess.

I wish I could say that the knife skills class bestowed on me some actual knife skills. Unfortunately, the muscle memory apparently can only kick in if you actually use the muscles involved in the skills. That would mean lots of practice for me.

I foresee a lot of stir-fry in our future...

When Sarah Cooks...

This is what my kitchen looked like Saturday afternoon. I was cooking unsupervised, and this is what happens when Sarah cooks.