Catching Up and Counting Down

Blogging, photography, and really anything fun has taken a backseat lately to school. Right now I am in MBA 550 - Resource Optimization...and it is just as boring as it sounds. I'm counting down though, only 8 days of class to go! Then I plan on taking a long break, at least a month. I think I have the grad school equivalent to senioritis. I had it in high school, I had it in undergrad, and it has hit with a vengeance again. I'm so burnt out on school. If I didn't have just three classes to go after this one I would be seriously reconsidering finishing the degree. I just have to keep telling myself that I'd regret quitting...so after a break I'll keep plugging along.

Today, though, I had a rare bit of free time. I met up with a couple of friends for cappuccinos and pastries out in town. It was so nice just to get out! On the way to meet them I had a spectacular view of Etna. I decided to take a brief detour and drive up into the hills to grab this shot.

Mt. Etna and the Sicilian Countryside
Exposure 1/100 sec at f/11, ISO 100, 75 mm

I wanted to stay and take a few more shots, but bugs were attacking me. I literally had thousands of gnats and flies swarming all around. ick ick ick. I took a couple of quick pictures and then jumped back in the car.

After coffee I ran a few errands and then drove home via a road where I had noticed a good photo opportunity the other day. This time there weren't nearly as many bugs. The wind had picked up significantly. The breeze felt cool and wonderful on this warm day (about 85F).

Sicilian Hay
Exposure 1/125 sec, f/5.6, ISO 100, 55mm

So, that is the extent of today's adventures. Hopefully...no...I WILL get out and see more and have more pictures to post as soon as I finish the darn class! Wish me luck..this next week may do me in!