Happy Friday!

Day 19: A picture and a letter.

I'm going to combine this and do a picture of a letter, cause that's more fun :)

B for Brittany!

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Today has been one of those gorgeous days where everything just seems perfect. This morning I went to my only class to sit through some presentations and then met up with Hilldy for a yummy lunch on Hillsborough Street. It feels SO amazing outside, I can't get enough of it! After lunch we killed time and sat outside to people watch/enjoy the weather before my Step Aerobics final.

We hung out in some trees, better view of people.

After we killed time I went and rocked my final and ended up with an 89 in the class! But I took the class for pass fail so it really doesn't matter, still exciting to be done though. Now all that's left of this semester is a super easy group paper due Monday and a law final a week from Tuesday :)

Now it's off to relax and enjoy more of this beautiful day!

Adios,

B.Hines

I can't think of a creative title...

There's something you should know about me... I hate coffee. It's gross and the smell gives me a headache. I don't understand how this is possible though because my mom and step dad had it every morning as I was growing up, so you'd think I would at least like the smell, right? Well I guess I'm just weird. 

But, if I did like coffee I would be drinking out of this sucker all the time... 

Okay who am I kidding... if I had that I would still drink out of it all the time, coffee or not. Kind of like I do now with my free SAS coffee mug.. I just fill it up with water every day, no one knows the difference :)

Just in case you want one for yourself, or want to buy one for me cause you love me and my birthday is coming up kind of soon (July 17th), then you can check it out HERE. 

Adios,

B.Hines

Bad Dancing and Celebration

Day 18: A picture of your biggest insecurity

This one's kind of hard. I don't think much about what I'm insecure about, in fact I like to think I'm not that insecure about a lot of things? But one thing did pop into my head when I read what today's picture was... 

I'm a terrible dancer. And believe it or not, sometimes I get insecure about my dancing, especially when we're out at some bar or club and there's dancing and I'm still 100% sober. This actually wasn't one of those times though. I got called up on stage during Spring Break and it turns out that I had a blast "dancing" and making a fool of myself. But in many other instances I can be pretty insecure about my dance moves.

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This weekend was Easter and I went home to be with the family to celebrate Jesus death and resurrection!

We made pizza's:

We played my favorite childhood game, Skip-Bo:

We continued our tradition of a picture under the cross at church:

We went to my grandparents for a yummy lunch and many more family pictures:

and lots of laughing...

We went for an after lunch walk to attempt to burn off all the calories:

Grandad even did some gardening...

I finally got Grandmom to smile in a picture with me:

and look, smiles from both my grandparents! If only this picture were in focus...

And then there was Roger, just being his usual self:

But Happy 7th Anniversary to him and mom!

I had an amazing weekend with my family and the weather was gorgeous, I couldn't have asked for a better last break before the end of the semester craziness!

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." - 1 John 3:16

Happy Tuesday!

B.Hines

Back on Track

Day 17: A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently

Obviously...

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Sorry for the generic picture...I'm not feeling very creative tonight. In fact, I'm about to curl up in my bed and watch some TV, now that I have a TV in my room! Tomorrow is the last day of classes before Easter break and I'm so excited, and then after that we only have one more week of classes before exams, it's crazy!

Have a lovely Tuesday night,

B.Hines

My Whirlwind of a Week

MY LIFE HAS BEEN SO CRAZY!

This week was just so busy, insane, amazing, stressful, non-stop, and wonderful! I got some great photography opportunities that I couldn't be more blessed and thankful for...I still can't believe it :) However, it's been hard managing those, school work, classes, and work. It's been an exhausting week, and even this weekend I'm still not caught up on sleep...I'm thinking a much needed nap is in my future today.

Let's just take a look at the craziness shall we?

Monday wasn't anything new. Just some school work and Dancing with the Stars. Hines killed it once again :)

Tuesday through today though, have been non-stop activity. Along with the usual classes and school work on Tuesday was Art to Wear, a fashion show put on by some students at NC State. Being the awesome person that she is, my friend Lauren was able to get me a press pass from the Independent so I could sit on the floor and take pictures! 

IT WAS SO MUCH FUN. I leaned what it's like to be a real photographer at a real event and let me just tell you, it's hard. I got a nice little ab work out too. Be looking online at the Independent for a slide show of my pictures!

 During intermission of the show, one of the guy's that was sitting in the section where I was taking pictures came up to me and asked a bit about what I was doing and what not. Well, he apparently works for Live it Up on Hillsborough Street and was looking for someone to take some pictures of the After Party out on Hillsborough St. after the show, and he asked if I was interested. Uhh...YES! It was so much fun, I couldn't stop smiling. After wandering around on the gorgeous night, meeting people and taking pictures, I parked it at 5 o'clock sports bar with some friends and hung out!

Please notice the Press Pass ;)

So Wednesday was just busy. That's all there is to that. You can see the craziness on my planner.

Thursday I had the privilege of helping out a local photographer and volunteered to take some pictures at an Art Space event. It was really fun! I took pictures of the 'photo booth' area and got so many cute and creative pictures. It was really neat! After I got to go home and cram for my test on Friday. I don't think I did too bad though? 

FRIDAY! Finally Friday! My dad came in this weekend so after work my brother and I met up with dad for some dinner and prom shopping for my brother, he's going to look so spiffy! After that I called it a night and tried my hardest to go to sleep early. 

Saturday was just all kinds of crazy. First of all, I worked with the same photographer from Thursday to take some pictures at the SPCA Dog Walk in downtown Raleigh and omgosh let me just say that I want a dog SO bad. There were so many cute dogs their of all ages and sizes and I just need one. That's that. 

Little did I know, that same day they were calling for a massive tornado to hit Raleigh, say what? They called off the dog walk festivities a bit early in order to prepare for it, so around 1:30 or so my dad, brother and I want out to eat for lunch. After lunch we even decided that it was a good idea to see a movie at 3:20. Forget the fact that a tornado was heading right for us and that it might be a good idea to go home where it's safe (and where I could at least keep my super frightened roomie company). So of course, at around 3:40 the movie stopped and the workers said the tornado was basically here and that they weren't sure what they should do as far as the movie goes. So naturally, we all flocked to the windows to see what was happening outside. And, of course, I had my camera. I was determined to get a funnel cloud picture!

Unfortunately this is all I got. Apparently parents frown upon dreams of being a storm chaser? One day...

Eventually we got some free movie passes and left, and by that time all the tornados were basically gone. We were so lucky where we were and where my apartment is. I don't think I really realized how bad everything was until today. I still haven't actually been to see parts of Downtown Raleigh in person, but I've seen pictures and videos and it blows me away. We're North Carolina, tornados don't just happen here! It amazes me when I come across things like this on youtube....

It breaks my heart to see this. I find it so hard to believe that something could cause that much damage here in Raleigh. It's so close to home, it's just crazy.

Today however is a gorgeous day! How it can go from being dark and stormy one day to beautiful and sunny the next day amazes me. I plan to enjoy it though! After I decide to hunker down and study for this quiz I have tomorrow, I get to go take some cap and gown pictures of the gorgeous Lauren, then head off to a yummy dinner at Kanki for Rachel's birthday. A great end to the weekend :)

And speaking of Lauren, check out this gorgeous picture of her from a shoot a little while ago...

I like having pretty friends to take pictures of!

Okay I think I've made up for my lack of posting all week...off to study with the window open, weeee.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

B.Hines

Sweet Sixteen.

I know I've kind of slacked off this weekend with this whole picture/blogging thing but this weekend was kinda crazy so oh well, I'll just start from where I left off! No promises that this week will be any better though, it's going to be an insanely busy week.

Day 16: A picture of someone who inspires you

Miss Ashley inspires me!

Sorry for the poor quality, I stole this off her facebook :)

This is my wonderful friend Ashley and I back in 2008 before the barn party! Ashley is such a great person. She is so kind hearted and friendly and has such a great love for the Lord. She's passionate about life and she doesn't settle for anything less than what she's called to do. For instance, she is a recent graduate and instead of throwing herself into some job she doesn't want, this summer she is biking across the UNITED STATES and building houses along the way. How awesome is that?!

If you don't know Ashley, then 1st of all I'm shocked because I feel like she knows everyone, and 2nd of all...you should know her. She will be one of the greatest, most encouraging friends you will ever have and she will inspire you to follow your dreams and be a better person!

And side note: today is her birthday! How appropriate right? 

Happy Birthday, Ashley! You're an amazing friend and I love you!!

Paz, 

B.Hines

Life Goals

Day 15: A picture of something you want to do before you die.

Oh gosh, where to begin?

#1: Travel the World

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Maybe if I buy this pin and wear it around everyday, people will just give me donations to make my dream feasible... 

#2: Live and work somewhere other than NC for a few years

(maybe even another country...)

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The world is at my fingertips, haha... 

#3: Be a Photographer!

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Yep, this will be me.

#4: Settle down and have a family

This is the newest edition to our extended family and I am so in love. He is so precious and tiny and sweet!

I guess those are the big ones. Granted, there are a MILLION other things I want to do before I die, but that would make this post way too long and I'm too lazy :)

Sorry for the lack of original pictures, I'm a little burnt out. Time to read. Or sleep. 

Ciao,

B.Hines

Michael Michael Motorcycle

My life has been craaazay over the past day. I didn't think it would end up being so busy, but I was wrong! Yesterday I was gone pretty much all day. I had classes, work, a meeting at my church from back home, and then I went to check out a community group with my friend Ashley and had an amazing time! But unfortunately I didn't get back til 10:30 or so and I hadn't started studying for a test that I have today at 3...whoopsy. I also forgot I had a quiz/extra credit assignment due in my class at 1:30 today, so I'm all over the place, and that explains why I'm awake right now (7am), attempting to function off of very little sleep.

So, since I skipped yesterdays picture... 

Day 14: A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.

I feel like we're getting kind of repetitive. Obviously I would say my mom, or my two best friends, but I've already blogged about them sooo I'm going to have to say my little brother.

He doesn't look so little does he? I promise there was once a time when he was smaller than me...

This is Michael. The amazing brother that you've read about HERE when he gave me a surprise present :) We aren't always that friendly towards each other though. Like any brother and sister we had our fair share of fights. But, I couldn't be more happy that I was able to grow up with a younger brother. Someone to hang out with and talk to on all those car rides/flights out to visit our dad. We just get each other. We both laugh at silly things and act super weird sometimes, and that's what I love!

I would share some pictures from when we were little, buuut that requires time to scan them in and that's too much work for someone that should be studying law. 

That being said, I'm off to study study study... 

Adios,

B.Hines

Musica

Day 13: A picture of your favorite band or artist.

I don't really have a favorite band or artist. I listen to seriously everything. I mean let's just talk about some artists/bands in my itunes... Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, about all of the NOW CD's, Jim Brickman, Celine Dion, Coldplay, John Mayer, Muse, any top 40 song, anything country (Kenny Chesney), B. Spears, a bit Bob Marley, Chris Tomlin, Phil Wickham, Glee, Girl Talk, Jason Derulo, Journey, Kenny G, Lady Antebellum, and the list goes on.... 

Told ya I have the most random musicians in my itunes, and I'm supposed to pick just one to like?! 

I guess if I'd have to choose...

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I don't care how dorky this makes me. In fact, if you're really curious to know how this obsession came about, you can read about it HERE.

Her concert was one of the greatest ever. Again, I know this makes me a loser...

Adios,

B.Hines

Amor!

Day 12: A picture of something you love. 

There are about a million things in life that I love. So instead of making this post incredibly long, I'm going to just focus on the things that I'm loving today. 

#1: Easter colored sprinkles on my donut this morning :)

#2: Wearing my new sandals on this beautiful day!

#3: Playing with my new LENS!

Possibly my best purchase ever... 

#4: Getting a fresh new hair cut (sure it doesn't look much shorter, but it feels and smells wonderful)

#5: Hines Ward on Dancing with the Stars

and lastly...

#6: The gorgeous and warm weather that is in our future! (minus tomorrow and the possible tornadoes, although I do enjoy a good thunderstorm)

Have a happy week full of things you love!

Ciao, 

B.Hines

Green Things Make Me Shiver.

Eating green vegetables make me shiver...it's weird, I know. That and the fact that they are nasty is why I generally steer away from all green vegetables. I'm not healthy? Whatever. 

Which leads me to...

Day 11: A picture of something you hate. 

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Broccoli is disgusting. I don't care that I'm 21 and that I should like my vegetables and eat them regularly, I'm just not a fan. I can handle lettuce and sometimes spinach (especially with noodles & chicken), but as for broccoli goes, no way jose. 

So there ya have it, that's what I hate. 

Ciao,

B.Hines

I don't even feel like blogging right now.

Honestly, I don't. I feel like crawling up in my warm bed and just doing nothing. Maybe a little reading, maybe I'll watch some Sex and the City, maybe I'll play some words with friends, or maybe I'll just sleep. Either way I don't feel like blogging, so I'm sorry if this post is lacking in many ways, I just feel like I need to stick with this 30 day photo challenge. So, enjoy... 

Day 10: A picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.

Okay so I honestly don't do that many messed up things. Not compared to other people anyway, or by other people's definition of "messed up." But, if I had to choose, I'd have to choose two people...

1. Hillary Scales

Doesn't she just look so hardcore?!

So we just do weird stuff and act crazy/goofy when we're out. It's not really 'messed up' but whatever.

2. Lauren Shute

Lauren is insane, in a good way. I find myself doing crazy things that I probably wouldn't do if she weren't around to encourage me...which is just one of the reasons why she's such a great friend, of course! She's also quite the rebel herself. I mean who else sneaks out of a parking garage in D.C. and then says, "you know how my goal is to go to jail..." She's got some big dreams, folks. So I'd have to say a night out with Lauren is unpredictable, and yea, maybe sometimes we do 'messed up' things.

Paz&Amor (haha),

B.Hines 

Mi Madre!

Day 9: A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.

Well this one's easy...

My wonderful MOM!

She has been there for me through everything. She has seen me at my absolute worst and been there to listen to me when I felt like my world was falling apart. She offers the best, most honest advice ever and even though it's sometimes hard to hear, it's what I need to hear.

Not only has she helped me through my 21 years, but she's such a strong person herself. She's been through a lot in her life and yet she is still such a positive, caring woman. I am so blessed that she's my mom and I hope that I turn out just like her when I'm older (yes mom, I mean this!) My mom is amazing and I love her to death! :)

Happy Friday!

B.Hines